The rectum and prostate are in close proximity, which means during radiation therapy for prostate cancer the rectum may also be affected by radiation, potentially leading to issues with bowel function or other side effects.¹ SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based absorbable hydrogel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and rectum. SpaceOAR Hydrogel is designed to reduce the radiation dose to the rectum and may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy.²

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a CE marked implant made mostly of water and PEG, water (90%) and PEG (7%) , that, when combined, form a soft gel-like synthetic material.³ PEG is a material commonly used in other medical products.³ You should discuss any known allergies you may have to the SpaceOAR Hydrogel with your doctor.

To date, 100,000 SpaceOAR Hydrogel patients and growing*³

Ask your doctor about SpaceOAR Hydrogel or find a doctor near you who offers SpaceOAR Hydrogel with our tool Find a Doctor.

By acting as a perirectal spacer the hydrogel temporarily moves the rectum on average a half inch (1.3 cm) away from the prostate.² By separating the prostate from the rectum, SpaceOAR Hydrogel is designed to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum and may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy.

Your doctor may use a local, regional or general anesthesia and the injection site will be numbed, so you may feel a pinprick or pressure.**

View more information about the SpaceOAR procedure here

**There are risks associated with implantation. These risks include pain associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel injection and pain or discomfort associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is injected as a liquid through a needle inserted between the rectum and the prostate. It can be implanted via a local anesthetic that will numb the injection area or under general anesthesia that will put a patient to sleep during the procedure. SpaceOAR Hydrogel stays in place for about 3 months and is naturally absorbed into the body and removed through urine in about 6 months.³

SpaceOAR Hydrogel contains polyethylene glycol (PEG). As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved with the use of SpaceOAR Hydrogel. Potential complications associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel include, but are not limited to: pain associated with injection, pain or discomfort from the hydrogel, site inflammation, infection (including abscess), inability to urinate, urgent need to urinate, constipation, rectal muscle spasm, damage to lining of rectum, ulcers, fistula (a hole between rectum and bladder, urethra, or skin below the scrotum), perforation (hole in prostate, bladder, urethra, recturm), necrosis (dead tissue), allergic reaction (local reaction or more severe reaction, such as anaphylaxis), embolism (blood vessel blockage is possible and may happen outside of the pelvis, potentially impacting vital organs or legs), fainting, and bleeding. If one or more of these complications occur, you may need medical treatment or surgery. Please talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits related to using SpaceOAR Hydrogel.