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SpaceOARTM HYDROGEL PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

SpaceOARTM HYDROGEL PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET SpaceOAR Hydrogel is an absorbable hydrogel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and the rectum reducing the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during prostate radiation therapy Without SpaceOAR Hydrogel Radiation dose Prostate Rectal Wall With SpaceOAR Hydrogel Radiation dose Prostate Space OAR Hydrogel Rectal Wall Frequently Asked Questions Why Should I Have SpaceoarTM Hydrogel When treating prostate cancer patients with radiation therapy the goal is to kill the cancer cells while avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissue The prostate is next to the rectum and naturally separated by a small space Due to the proximity prostate radiation therapy can unintentionally cause damage to the rectum which can lead to issues with bowel function The OAR in SpaceOAR stands for organ at risk and with radiation therapy to the prostate this organ is the rectum How Will Spaceoar Hydrogel Help Me By acting as a spacer the hydrogel temporarily moves the rectum a half inch 1 3 cm away from the prostate By separating the prostate from the rectum SpaceOAR Hydrogel reduces the radiation dose delivered to the rectum and may eliminate or decrease damage What Is It Made Of SpaceOAR Hydrogel is made up of two liquids that when combined form a soft gel material that is mostly made of water The material that the SpaceOAR Hydrogel is made from has been used in other implants such as surgical sealants used in the eye brain and spine Where Is The Procedure Done And How Long Does It Take SpaceOAR Hydrogel can be implanted as a day case procedure in the hospital It is typically not a lengthy procedure

How Is Spaceoar Hydrogel Implanted Put Into Place The SpaceOAR Hydrogel is injected as liquid through a small needle inserted between the rectum and the prostate Your doctor will use ultrasound imaging to ensure correct placement Will I Feel Any Discomfort Or Pain During Or After The Procedure Your doctor will use a local regional or general anaesthesia and the injection site will be numbed so you may feel a pinprick or pressure but should not feel any discomfort Following the implantation you may experience some temporary discomfort at the injection site SpaceOAR Hydrogel patients typically report no prolonged discomfort from the implanted gel How Soon After The Procedure Can I Return To My Normal Activities You should be able to go back to your normal activities soon Check with your doctor about anything you should avoid after the procedure and during your radiation treatments How Long Will Spaceoar Hydrogel Remain In My Body SpaceOAR Hydrogel stays in place separating your prostate and rectum for about three months After about six months the hydrogel is naturally absorbed into the body and removed in your urine What Are The Risks Associated With SpaceOARTM Hydrogel As with any medical treatment there are some risks involved with the use of SpaceOAR Hydrogel Potential complications associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel include but are not limited to Pain associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel injection Pain or discomfort associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel Needle penetration of the bladder prostate rectal wall rectum or urethra Injection of SpaceOAR Hydrogel into the bladder prostate rectal wall rectum or urethra Local inflammatory reactions Infection Injection of air fluid or SpaceOAR Hydrogel intravascularly Urinary retention Rectal mucosal damage ulcers necrosis Bleeding Constipation and rectal urgency What Are The Steps Involved This is a day procedure completed at the Beacon Hospital On the morning of your procedure you will check into the day unit on level 1 in the Beacon Hospital You should be okay to drive home following this procedure You will be called the week before your procedure with a time to attend for this appointment You will receive a call from a nurse prior to this procedure It is important to mention if you Take an anticoagulant blood thinner Have any heart condition Have any implanted heart device or hip replacement s

You will receive a call from the radiotherapy department a day or two after your insertion The radiation therapist will give you the details of the next appointment in the planning process which will be a CT scan This will be no sooner than 7 days after your SpaceOAR Hydrogel procedure Radiotherapy Planning Scan You will need to prepare your bladder and bowel before the CT scan and before every radiotherapy treatment This is because the prostate sits very close to your bladder rectum and bowel therefore the position of your prostate can change depending on the size of your bladder and rectum This may a ect the accuracy of the treatment and increase your risk of getting side e ects You will be asked to have a comfortably full bladder and empty rectum This ensures the radiotherapy is aimed at your prostate and that the surrounding areas get as little radiation as possible It is very important that you do not fast before your CT planning scan It is important to eat before you come to the radiotherapy department as fasting can cause gas in your bowels which will distort the CT scan and make it unusable Before you have your CT scan and radiotherapy treatment you will need to be well hydrated You should drink about two litres of water throughout the day starting a few days before your planning CT scan and continuing this throughout your treatment The radiotherapy department will send you a prescription and information leaflet including instructions for an enema called microlax Take it with you to your local pharmacy and they will dispense it for you This ensures your bowels and rectum are empty prior to your CT scan We will also ask you to use it for the first week of your treatment Radiotherapy Treatment Your Radiotherapy treatment will start two weeks after your planning scan The duration of your treatment will be discussed with you by your Radiation Oncology Consultant You will receive a call from the Radiotherapy Team when your treatment is ready to start Further Information Further information on this and other related topics is readily available from the following resources Irish Cancer Society 43 45 Northumberland Road Dublin 4 Tel 01 231 0500 Fax 01 231 0555 Email helpline irishcancer ie www cancer ie National Cancer Helpline 1800 200 700 Action Prostate Cancer Irish Cancer Society 43 45 Northumberland Road Dublin 4 Prostate Cancer Information Service 1800 380 380 In an emergency at the weekend or after hours please call your General Practitioner

Beacon Hospital Sandyford Dublin 18 D18 AK68 Tel 01 293 6600 www beaconhospital ie Version 1 8 2023