At Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, our internationally recognized radiation oncology team offers a full range of treatments for prostate cancer. This includes an extremely advanced technology called rectal spacer.
We are leaders with this state-of-the-art tool. Our radiation oncologist Marcio Fagundes, M.D., is one of the first specialists anywhere to use rectal spacer technology for prostate cancer patients treated with proton therapy.
What Is Rectal Spacer?
Rectal spacer is a soft gel material. Our radiation oncologists inject this liquid to create a space between your rectum and prostate before radiation treatment. By creating this separation, we can reduce radiation exposure to your rectum. This minimizes your risk of treatment-induced gastrointestinal side effects.
The spacer usually stays in place for several months. Then, your body naturally absorbs it and flushes it out in your urine within six months.
Candidates for Rectal Spacer
Most patients can be candidates for rectal spacer technology. Our experts frequently recommend it for patients undergoing treatment that includes intensity modulated radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, brachytherapy or proton therapy. Most patients can return to normal activities soon after the procedure. But you should avoid strenuous activities like running or cutting the grass for several days. And refrain from sexual activity for a week.
Side Effects of Rectal Spacer
While rectal spacer technology reduces radiation exposure to your rectum, certain side effects are possible. These include:
- Accidental injection of air, fluid or gel into your blood vessels
- Inflammation or infection at injection site
- Pain at the injection site
- Rectal damage, including bleeding, constipation, ulcers and urgency
