You don’t have to live with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. For patients in Northern Virginia, the specialists at Potomac Urology are here to help. Our urologists are all board-certified by the American Board of Urology and have extensive experience diagnosing and treating BPH. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Fair Oaks, or National Harbor.
Rectal Spacer
RADIATION THERAPY, a standard form of care for treating prostate cancer, uses energy beams to destroy and stop the spread of cancer cells.
These high-energy beams can reach and negatively affect healthy tissue surrounding the prostate.
Due to its close proximity to the prostate, the rectum is the primary organ at risk for radiation exposure.
Possible bowel complications3 from unwanted radiation exposure to the rectum may include:
SHORT-TERM:
- Needing to have a bowel movement more often than usual (bowel incontinence)
- Diarrhea
- Loose stools
- Hemorrhoids
LONG-TERM:
- Inflammation of the rectum (radiation proctitis)
- Rectal bleeding
- Narrowing of the rectum
- Hemorrhoids
- Chronic diarrhea
- Development of an ulcer in the rectum
BARRIGEL® HYALURONIC ACID RECTAL SPACERcan help minimize prostate radiation side effectsby temporarily positioning the rectum away from the prostate.1
When inserted, Barrigel creates space between the prostate and the rectum, moving the healthy organ out of radiation beam exposure.1
A PERSONALIZED FIT
Barrigel remains soft during insertion, allowing your doctor to sculpt the gel in place to create an optimal fit for your body.1,2
Your doctor will use imaging technology called transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) during the procedure to sculpt the spacer to your anatomy. Unlike PEG Hydrogel spacers, Barrigel can be viewed clearly on ultrasound. This added visibility during insertion provides your doctor greater control and precision over the placement of the spacer.1,2
LONG-TERM SAFETY
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the human body. Highly compatible and fully absorbable by the body, it is a natural substance used in many common medical procedures.
