Biodegradable spacer to prevent rectal side effects from prostate radiotherapy. We offer a range of innovative treatment techniques for prostate cancer, as well as exceptional personal care to all our patients.
SpaceOAR hydrogel spacing treatment for prostate cancer
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What is it for?
To prevent side effects of prostate radiotherapy
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Treatment overview
SpaceOAR hydrogel is an innovative, absorbable gel designed to reduce side effects from radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. The gel is injected into the space between the prostate and the rectum, widening the gap between the two. This provides protection by reducing the amount of radiation that reaches the bowel, lowering the chance of side effects.
SpaceOAR hydrogel is injected into position under local or general anaesthetic using ultrasound guidance. The procedure takes around half an hour and is carried out before starting a course of radiotherapy. The gel remains in place for three months, providing protection throughout the course of radiotherapy treatment.
At London Urologica, our expert consultants offer diagnostics and treatment in The London Clinic, with access to many cutting-edge procedures and technologies.
The London Clinic was the first hospital in the UK to offer SpaceOAR hydrogel, which is now used widely in hospitals around the world.
SpaceOAR hydrogel has been shown to be safe and effective. As with any medical procedure, there is the chance of some side effects, although the risk is low. You may experience some pain or discomfort for a short time after the procedure. There is a small risk of bleeding or infection. There is a risk of incorrect placement of the gel, however, this is minimised by the use of ultrasound guidance.
At London Urologica, SpaceOAR hydrogel is only provided as part of a package of radiotherapy treatment. This is because of the planning, imaging and expertise required to carry out the procedure.
The procedure to insert SpaceOAR hydrogel is usually carried out as a day case. You should be able to go home the same day and carry on with your normal activities as soon as you have recovered from the anaesthetic.
SpaceOAR hydrogel consists of two liquids. When combined, they form a protective gel. SpaceOAR hydrogel is water-based and absorbent. This means that over time it is completely broken down and absorbed by the body. It also contains a CE-marked substance that is used in other surgical sealants.
Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for prostate cancer, but the radiation can affect the organs surrounding the prostate. This can lead to side effects that impact quality of life, affecting the bowel, urinary system and sexual function. With SpaceOAR hydrogel, the distance between the bowel and the prostate is increased. This means that when radiotherapy is applied to the prostate, less radiation will reach the bowel. In clinical trials, SpaceOAR hydrogel has been shown to significantly reduce the chance of side effects affecting the rectum, such as bleeding, urgency and proctitis (inflammation of the bowel). It also provides protection against urinary side effects.
SpaceOAR hydrogel can be inserted into position under either local or general anaesthetic. Your consultant will discuss with you which will be the most suitable for you, depending on your circumstances.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
Top-rated by real patients
4.86/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Doctify and over 4.5 on Google.
Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.