ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Hydrogel spacers aim to separate the rectum from the prostate during radiation therapy for patients with prostate cancer to decrease the radiation dose and thus toxicity to the rectum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the hydrogel spacer between the rectum and the prostate, to assess for hydrogel rectal wall infiltration and to assess for immediate complications. METHODS: Retrospective study of 160 patients who had undergone hydrogel spacer placement. Distribution of the hydrogel was assessed on MRI. MRI images were reviewed for rectal wall injection or other malplacement of gel. Early post-procedure complications were recorded. RESULTS: 117 (73.1%) patients had a symmetrical distribution of the hydrogel spacer. The mean anteroposterior rectoprostatic separation was 10.2 ± 3.7 mm (range 0-27 mm). Seven (4.3%) patient had minimal rectal wall infiltration and one (0.6%) patient had moderate infiltration. One (0.6%) patient had an intraprostatic injection of hydrogel. Two (1.3%) patients required treatment in the emergency department: one for urinary retention and one for pain. CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal hydrogel placement separates the prostate from the rectum with a symmetrical distribution in the majority of cases prior to radiation therapy with a low rate of rectal wall injection and immediate complications. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: SpaceOAR hydrogel can be safely injected into radiation naive patients with low- or intermediate-risk organ-confined prostate cancer. The spacer separates the prostate from the rectum with a symmetrical distribution in the majority of cases prior to radiation therapy.
