About Services Health Centers Blog Patient Resources Bill Pay Locations Contact SpaceOAR® Hydrogel Clinically proven to minimize urinary, sexual, bowel side effects while protecting quality of life for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Schedule a Consultation Minimizing Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer with SpaceOAR® Hydrogel Radiation therapy is extremely effective in treating prostate cancer, and radiation Therapy technology has greatly improved leading to more targeted treatment. However, the threat of side effects remains. One of the biggest risks of radiation therapy is injury to the rectum, which sits next to the prostate gland. Rectal injuries resulting from radiation can lead to: Bleeding Leakage Diarrhea Chronic Discomfort and Irritation Fecal Incontinence SpaceOAR® Hydrogel is an option for men who undergo radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It helps combat and prevent potential side effects by acting as a spacer between the rectum and the prostate, making it much less likely that the rectum is exposed to radiation. Learn more about SpaceOAR® Hydrogel SpaceOAR® Hydrogel Comparison Patient Testimonial “During my eight weeks of radiation treatment and it’s now been over a year since, at no time did I experience any rectal side effects, no pain or discomfort, no bleeding, no incontinence - so very glad I decided to have SpaceOAR®.”* *results may vary Larry a SpaceOAR® hydrogel patient What is the Procedure Like and How Long Will it Stay in My Body? The procedure is commonly done in a hospital, surgery center, outpatient clinic or doctor’s office. While there is no required special preparation for the SpaceOAR® Hydrogel procedure, your doctor may give you individual instructions on how to prepare for the procedure and for any anesthesia you will receive. Always ask your doctor what you should do in advance of the procedure. Your doctor will either use an anesthetic that will put you to sleep during the procedure or a local anesthetic that will numb the injection area. You may feel a pinprick or pressure but should not feel any major discomfort. After the procedure you may experience some temporary discomfort at the injection site. SpaceOAR® Hydrogel patients typically report no prolonged discomfort from the implanted hydrogel. You should be able to immediately resume your normal activities. Always be sure to check with your doctor for any restrictions associated with the procedure and your radiation treatment. SpaceOAR® Hydrogel separates your prostate and rectum for about 3 months providing protection during radiation treatment and is naturally absorbed in about six months – well after your last treatment. Contact your Houston Metro Urology physician today to learn more about whether or not SpaceOAR hydrogel treatment is right for you. Schedule a Consultation Contact Us Houston Metro Urology is here to help! Call us, request an appointment online, or feel free to stop by one of our convenient locations. LEARN MORE Our Locations With 10 different locations at our disposal, Houston Metro Urology has access to every urological equipment and service you could need! LEARN MORE Our Physicians Our urologists specialize in general urology as well as sub-specialists in the areas of incontinence, female urology, and much more. LEARN MORE Set up a Telehealth Visit with HMU Request a Visit Health Centers Ambulatory Surgery Center Lab Diagnostics Center Imaging Center Incontinence Center Contact Us 4223 Richmond Avenue Houston, Texas 77027 Phone: (713) 351-5000 Fax: (713) 351-0636 Copyright © 2019 Houston Metro Urology. All rights reserved. Houston Metro Urology is committed to protecting the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In support of that goal, all individuals visiting any HMU office are required to wear a face-covering over both the nose and mouth for the entirety of their visit. Also, visitation to our offices is limited to patients only. Thank you for your compliance and understanding! ×