Open Access

HOW I DO IT

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

Juan Montoya, Eric Gross, Lawrence Karsh

The Urology Center of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA
Address correspondence to Dr. Juan Montoya, The Urology Center Of Colorado, 2777 Mile High Stadium Circle, Denver, CO 80211 USA

Canadian Journal of Urology 2018, 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.

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