How I Do It: Hydrogel spacer placement in men scheduled to undergo prostate radiotherapy

Can J Urol. 2018 Apr;25(2):9288-9293.

Abstract

Hydrogel spacer placement between the prostate and rectum in men scheduled to undergo prostate radiotherapy is an emerging technique well suited for urologists. The hydrogel spacer reduces rectal injury during radiotherapy by displacing the rectum away from the high dose region. Following radiotherapy the hydrogel spacer then liquifies, is absorbed, and then clears via renal filtration in approximately 6 months. Herein we describe the appropriate patients eligible for this procedure, and the application technique we use in our clinic.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Patient Positioning
  • Prognosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Radiation Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Radiation Protection / instrumentation*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / adverse effects
  • Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / methods*
  • Rectum / radiation effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hydrogels