Hydrogel Spacer Between Prostate and Rectum?

I suggest that you research the medical sites to see who has published about this.....these will be experts.

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hydrogel+Spacer+Between+Prostate+and+Rectum&btnG=&hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5

Jwoodie,

I recently had High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy and they did use DuraSeal (trade name) to increase the spacing between the rectum and the prostate.  I had done some research and asked the doctor specifically if they used this in their procedure as damage to the rectum was one of my main concerns.  The added space reduces the radiation to the rectum.  I had two days after the first fraction was delivered with minor bleeding.  It resolved without medical intervention.  This is a quote from my medical treatment notes:

Then, a 5-1/4 inch 16-gauge Angiocath was inserted percutaneously through the

perineum under ultrasound guidance behind the prostate, but anterior to the

rectum. The needle tip was guided to the mid level of the prostate gland on

the sagittal imaging and then a hydrodissection with 3 mL of normal saline

was performed to demonstrate that we were in the appropriate space. Then,

10 mL of DuraSeal gel was placed behind the prostate anterior to the rectum

to displace the rectum away from the prostate.

starr15 said:

The spacer is undergoing

The spacer is undergoing clinic trials. In theory it seems like a good idea.

It could be be used for any external beam or protons. Not sure about low dose brachy.

joe, were you part of a clinical trial?

Starr,

I was not part of a clinical trial.  The doctor used as an "off label" procedure.  I had to sign a specific consent form for the procedure.

Joe

jwoodie said:

Does anyone know of a doctor

Does anyone know of a doctor in the U.S. who does this procedure?

I know of a R.O. her in So. Ca, who has done this procedure, or a very similar procedure for an Asian man . Apparently the hips in Asians are smallercloser together and everything is more bunched together, so more risk. Let me know if this location works for you.

Also, I previously posted to you studies on this procedure. Check the names of the docs who have done these studies for experts. 

jwoodie said:

your location?

I am cuurently in N. Calif, but could travel anywhere for this procedure.  Hydrogel is not yet FDA approved (for insurance), so it would be private pay.  I don't qualify for most of the studies because of high PSA.  I could also relocate to S. Calif for full IMRT treatment, if necessary. 

 

Any names of doctors who are performing this procedure would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

Ksk Medical

16100 Sand Canyon AVe, suite 130

Irvine, ca 92618

949-417-1100

www.CCOI.org

dr. Kenneth Tokita

His method is probably different, but he has pioneered a method that reduces the risk of rectal injury from prostate irradiation,

Please post what your research finds..Thanks