SpaceOAR

Anesthesia Implications

Position: Supine, Lithotomy, arms extended
Time: 5-30 min (very short)
Blood Loss: Very Low (5-10 ml)
Post-op Pain: Minimal (1-3)
Maintenance Paralytic: No

Anesthetic Approaches

  • MAC, Propofol Drip
The Anesthesia

Approach – Typically a MAC with a propofol infusion. 50-100 mg of Fentanyl is typically titrated in as well.

The Pathophysiology

this procedure is performed for patients with prostate cancer who will receive radiation therapy. Hydrogel is injected between the prostate gland and anterior rectum via a transperineal approach. Ultimately this positions the rectum away from the prostate to reduce the amount of radiation from the radiation therapy. Radiation can cause damage to the rectum. This essentially minimizes GI side effects from radiation of the pelvis.

The Surgery

The SpaceOAR Hydrogel is injected (under ultrasound guidance) as a liquid through a needle placed between the rectum and the prostate.

References: UptoDate. Retrieved from www.uptodate.com. 2023.