Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH, presented “Rectal Spacer” during the 2024 Frontiers in Oncologic Prostate Care and Ablative Local Therapy symposium on October 17, 2024, in San Diego, California.
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How to cite: Sidana, Abhinav. “Rectal Spacer.” October, 2024. Accessed Oct 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/rectal-spacer/
Rectal Spacer – Summary
Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH, addresses the role of rectal spacers in reducing gastrointestinal toxicity during prostate radiation therapy. The 11-minute presentation discusses three types of FDA-approved rectal spacers: Polyethylene Glycol-Based Spacers (SpaceOAR), Hyaluronic Acid-Based Spacers, and Balloon Spacers (BioProtect).
Dr. Sidana shares images to illustrate the procedural steps for patient preparation, numbing, hydro-dissection, and accurate spacer placement, guided by imaging. Post-procedure imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, can be used to confirm correct placement.
Dr. Sidana also discusses potential complications, including minor pain and rectal fullness and rare instances of severe outcomes like rectourethral fistulas or sepsis. He notes, however, that these devices generally have a favorable safety profile.
Frontiers in Oncologic Prostate Care and Ablative Local Therapy (FOCAL) is an outstanding program on prostate imaging, transperineal interventions, and ablative treatments for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Bringing together community-based, academic, and industry partners, FOCAL offers lectures by world-renowned faculty and hands-on training workshops on in-office transperineal interventions, fusion-guided prostate ablation and state-of-the-art BPH management with novel technologies.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Surgery, the Director of the Prostate Cancer Focal Therapy Program, the Co-Director of the High-Risk and Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic, and a Urologic Oncologist at the University of Chicago in Illinois. Dr. Sidana specializes in prostate and kidney cancer, performing both robotic and open surgery for patients diagnosed with urologic cancers. He offers robotic prostatectomy for patients with more aggressive prostate cancer, and performs open and robotic surgery for patients with complex, multifocal, and advanced kidney cancers. Dr. Sidana’s research focuses on providing organ-preserving treatment, with lower side effects, for prostate cancer. He has extensive experience with cryoablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, TULSA Pro, and irreversible electroporation of the prostate.
