Before placement, you’ll meet with your radiation oncologist to review your treatment plan. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia or mild sedation and may be combined with placement of fiducial markers.

The spacer is inserted before your first radiation session. Once in place, daily treatments proceed as planned, with reduced radiation dose to the rectum.

The spacer remains in place during the course of your therapy and is naturally absorbed by your body within about six months, no removal procedure required.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients experience only mild pressure; anesthesia keeps discomfort minimal.

How long does placement take?

The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes. Your visit may take longer for preparation and brief monitoring afterward.

Will it affect bowel function?

Many patients experience fewer bowel symptoms after treatment compared to those without a spacer.

If you’re receiving prostate radiation, your doctor can determine if a spacer is right for you.

Rectal Spacer

Gentle, precise protection for your rectum during prostate cancer treatment, available close to home in Palm Beach County.

Expert Cancer Care You Can Trust

At Lynn Cancer Institute, we use state-of-the-art techniques to ensure your treatment is as safe and effective as possible. A rectal spacer, made of a soft, absorbable gel, creates a small gap between the prostate and rectum during prostate cancer radiation therapy, helping to protect healthy tissue and reduce side effects.

Our Approach

We perform rectal spacer placement using ultrasound guidance in a quick, outpatient procedure. The gel stays in place for several months during your treatment and is then naturally absorbed by the body and eliminated through urine, usually within six months.

Your Care, Delivered with Heart

From your first consultation, we explain every step clearly and answer your questions with compassion. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident and supported throughout your care.

What is a Rectal Spacer?

A rectal spacer is a gel-like material injected between the prostate and rectum before radiation therapy begins. This space reduces the amount of radiation reaching the rectum, lowering the risk of bowel irritation and long-term gastrointestinal changes.

Types of Rectal Spacers

PEG-based hydrogel (SpaceOAR®): Widely used, invisible on most scans, naturally dissolves in months.
Hyaluronic acid-based spacers (Barrigel®): Malleable and visible on imaging, allowing precise shaping and placement.

When Is It Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend a rectal spacer if you are receiving:

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
Brachytherapy
Proton Therapy

It is especially useful when the rectum is close to the prostate or if you are receiving high-dose treatment. Most patients can return to normal activities the next day, with minor restrictions for about a week.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits

Reduces radiation exposure to the rectum
Lowers risk of bowel-related side effects
Helps maintain quality of life during treatment
Allows for safe delivery of higher therapeutic doses

Risks

Rectal spacer placement is generally safe, but rare side effects may include:

Mild discomfort or bleeding at the injection site
Temporary inflammation or infection
Accidental injection into a blood vessel
Rare rectal injury

What to Expect

Before placement, you’ll meet with your radiation oncologist to review your treatment plan. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia or mild sedation and may be combined with placement of fiducial markers.
The spacer is inserted before your first radiation session. Once in place, daily treatments proceed as planned, with reduced radiation dose to the rectum.
The spacer remains in place during the course of your therapy and is naturally absorbed by your body within about six months, no removal procedure required.

Rectal Spacer: By the Numbers

Proven to reduce radiation to the rectum by up to 70% during prostate cancer treatment

>0%

of patients report minimal discomfort after placement

Meet Our Specialists

Expert Treatment Close to Home

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Lynn Cancer Institute | Boca Raton

701 NW 13 St., Boca Raton, FL 33486

Call 561-955-5966

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients experience only mild pressure; anesthesia keeps discomfort minimal.
The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes. Your visit may take longer for preparation and brief monitoring afterward.
Many patients experience fewer bowel symptoms after treatment compared to those without a spacer.
If you’re receiving prostate radiation, your doctor can determine if a spacer is right for you.

Clinical Trials

At Lynn Cancer Institute, we treat cancer in today’s patients and offer hope for those who may get the disease in the future. Through clinical trials, we study promising new ways to diagnose and treat cancer. As our patient, you have access to trials and treatments that aren’t widely available elsewhere.

If a clinical trial may be right for you, we’ll talk with you about the potential benefits and risks. We make your overall well-being and safety our top priority if you choose to participate.

Make Appointment

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