Perineal Abscess Following SpaceOAR Insertion

Umair Azhar; Justin Lin; Rahman Sayed; Zaki Masoud; Aroosa Zamarud; Ravinder Kaler

doi:10.7759/cureus.51050

Perineal Abscess Following SpaceOAR Insertion

Cureus. 2023 Dec 24;15(12):e51050. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51050. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Umair Azhar¹, Justin Lin², Rahman Sayed³, Zaki Masoud⁴, Aroosa Zamarud⁵, Ravinder Kaler²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.
² Internal Medicine, Northwell Health, New York, USA.
³ Department of Neurosurgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.
⁴ Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.
⁵ Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, USA.

Abstract

This case report discusses a 64-year-old male who presented with a perineal abscess following the insertion of the SpaceOAR hydrogel, highlighting a rare but potentially serious complication of the hydrogel. Hydrogel spacers have become integral in prostate cancer radiotherapy by reducing rectal toxicity. Ensuring proper technique, prophylactic antibiotics, and vigilant post-insertion monitoring are crucial for averting complications. This case underscores the significance of early diagnosis and management in preventing severe consequences and emphasizes the need for a high index of clinical suspicion when patients present with post-insertion symptoms.

Keywords: abscess; drainage; prostate cancer; radiation; spaceoar hydrogel.

Publication types

Case Reports