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    Interventional procedure overview of biodegradable spacer insertion to reduce rectal toxicity during radiotherapy for prostate cancer

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    Overview-for-consultation1.docx

    Description:

    Radiotherapy to treat prostate cancer can damage the rectum (the end part of the bowel). This can cause side effects such as bleeding, diarrhoea and faecal incontinence. The aim of this procedure is to reduce the amount of radiation reaching the rectum during radiotherapy, which may reduce the damage. It is usually done using general anaesthetic about 1 week before radiotherapy starts. The rectum is pushed slightly away from the prostate by inserting a balloon or injecting a gel (spacer) between them. This stays in place during radiotherapy. It is biodegradable, which means it breaks down and is absorbed by the body after about 6 months.