IBD prevention before radiation: Is placing a shield effective?

I had this done. Brand names are SpaceOAR or Barrigel. It creates space between the rectum and prostate. In my case 1.7 cm. Considering my SBRT radiation margins are 3mm in that area my rectum should be at least somewhat protected from radiation toxicity. I had mine placed under general anesthesia along with my fiducial markers. Going for fourth SBRT in 2 hours, so far zero side effects (fingers crossed).

Stay Strong Brother

Thank you so much for your information!
From the key words "SpaceOAR or Barrigel", more information should be available.
Do appreciate!

Anytime Brother. We are all in this club to share, help, and be helped.

@wsx
3+3=6 is a low Gleason score. They don't list the number below this. Have you gotten a second opinion? You will see a lot of post recommending a second opinion. Also did they mentioned Decipher test? This is a genetic test of the biopsies taken to give you a more precise risk level of the prostrate cancer. You did not mention your PSA numbers and over what period of time. For me before getting a procedure done I would get a second opinion as it is a big decision.

The procedure you mention is SpaceOar. It is injected behind prostrate to help sheild the radiation damage to the rectum. I had my biopsies (MRI/Fusion) done under anesthesia but had my markers and Space/Oar done with local and laughing gas. I was apprehensive over doing it this way but once they got going was no where the discomfort I thought I would feel.

Regarding the Space/Oar it will reduce but not stop all radiation damage. What the side affects can be is some bleeding later on. I had some and then none. It can come back later as the blood vessels start to grow again and bowel functions can affect them. This is not saying it will happen but a side affect you should be advised of.

Thanks.
Your experience really makes sense !
76 years old with all the time pretty health except middle controllable high cholesterol.
PSA 4.5 to 9.9 in 3 years.
Old brother 82, also gets it with PSA 200+, receiving Lupron protocol (total will be 40 weeks) and to be surgery.

@wsx, you may also be interested in these related discussions:
- Spaceoar search results https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=Spaceoar

When will you have surgery and radiation?

I was Gleadon 4+3/7 and had a core tested, which determined that I was just over the aggressive line. My oncologist and surgeon determined that radiation and hormones were the way to go, so I choose the high dose radiation, 5 treatments, so I was given Space Oar, I had no effects from it and after radiation no side effects, so I would say that it worked. No bleeding, pain or anything, just a slight sensation during my third radiation treatment. Now, the hormone shots, that’s a different story. While nothing major from them, the side effects are much longer lasting than I was told. Currently, all my treatments are done and I’m just in the monitoring phase now. Doing very well now. My psa is .19 and my testosterone is starting to come back up. My oncologist was impressed during a consult that I brought up Space Oar gel before he did, so yes I would say it was effective, at least for me.

Thanks.
Doctors are waiting the authorization from Ins.
I think it maybe starts a few weeks later, according to RT Dr. and U Dr. who's going to do my Space OAR.