Vitality Plus Urology provides this innovative, revolutionary new treatment for men undergoing prostate cancer radiation therapy. Vitality Plus Urology provides this innovative treatment involving injecting a hydrogel material into the space between the prostate gland and rectum, creating a protective barrier that can greatly reduce the risk of rectal complications associated with radiation therapy. By minimizing the radiation exposure to the rectum, the SpaceOAR™ procedure can help reduce the incidence of rectal pain, bleeding and other serious side effects. With its proven safety and effectiveness, the SpaceOAR hydrogel procedure is quickly becoming a leading choice for men who are seeking high-quality prostate cancer treatment.
SpaceOARTM Hydrogel
About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the second most common cancer in men behind skin cancer, and second leading cause of cancer death in American men behind lung cancer. Radiation therapy is a common form of treatment for prostate cancer. Although radiation therapy is effective in reducing the amount of cancerous tissue within the prostate, it can frequently cause damage to nearby organs such as the rectum. Such damage can lead to painful and undesired side effects.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel was created to protect these structures during radiation treatment so that patients can avoid unnecessary complications after overcoming prostate cancer. SpaceOAR Hydrogel is cleared by the FDA for use in males undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer and can be used with all types of radiation therapy.
How It Works
SpaceOAR Hydrogel can be placed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital, surgery center, outpatient clinic or doctor’s office prior to the start of radiation treatment. It is typically not a lengthy procedure. 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. SpaceOAR Hydrogel can be implanted under local, regional or general anesthesia.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel stays in place, separating your prostate and rectum, for about 3 months. After about 6 months, the hydrogel is naturally absorbed into the body and removed in your urine.
If you or someone you know is undergoing prostate cancer radiation therapy and may benefit from the SpaceOAR hydrogel procedure, call us today to schedule a consultation.
