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About Barrigel FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions

  • Barrigel is the first and only hyaluronic acid rectal spacer on the market. Barrigel is made from Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid, known as NASHA. NASHA has a long history of safety, efficacy and biocompatibility in a wide variety of medical applications, including pediatric medicine.1,2

  • As with any injection procedure, there is a risk of infection. Potential procedure-related side effects can include pain at the injection site and a brief period of bleeding from the needle stick. Post-treatment side effects include a mild to moderate sensation of rectal filling. Talk to your doctor about the risks associated with Barrigel.

  • Barrigel is placed between the rectum and the prostate with a needle through the perineum, similar to your prostate biopsy. Your doctor will use imaging technology called transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) during the procedure to sculpt the Barrigel spacer to your anatomy.

  • The Barrigel procedure is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic prior to the start of radiation treatment. Barrigel may be inserted at the same time as fiducial marker placement.

  • Most patients continue with normal daily activities shortly after the procedure, although your doctor may ask you to refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for a few days.

  • Barrigel is a hyaluronic acid that is biocompatible with your body. The spacer will stay in place for the duration of your radiation therapy and begin to safely reabsorb into your body after 3 months.3 It is important to note that Barrigel may be detected during anorectal examinations and medical imaging of the pelvis. You will receive a Barrigel Patient Implant Card following your procedure, which shows how Barrigel may be visible on medical imaging systems. It’s recommended that you keep this card for your records and inform your future doctors that you have had treatment with Barrigel.

  • Barrigel can be used with all forms of radiation therapy when treating T1-T3b prostate cancer.4 Talk with your doctor to find out if Barrigel is right for you.

REFERENCES:

  1. Q-Med. NASHA- the Monograph. Uppsala, Sweden.
  2. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/restylane-celebrates-25-years-of-natural-looking-results-with-its-signature-line-of-hyaluronic-acid-fillers-301388779.html. Accessed Sept 30, 2021.
  3. Mariados NF, Orio PF III, Schiffman Z et al. Hyaluronic acid spacer for hypofractionated prostate radiation therapy: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Oncol. 2023;e1-e8.
  4. Barrigel [product insert – United States]. Santa Barbara, CA, United States. Palette Life Sciences; 2022.