Patient Education and Multidisciplinary Coordination in Rectal Spacer Use For Prostate Cancer

In this segment, the panel discusses how they help patients understand the purpose of rectal spacers and what to expect during treatment. They explain that many patients are initially anxious about radiation, so counseling focuses on how modern techniques reduce rectal exposure and how spacers provide an added layer of protection that enables more effective, higher-dose therapy. They note that patients readily accept spacers once they grasp the safety benefits and learn that Barrigel carries a lower risk of rectal wall infiltration. The expert faculty emphasizes patient comfort, reassuring them that hyaluronic acid–based spacers are soft and well tolerated after placement. The physicians highlight how explaining the rationale—preventing rectal injury and reducing long-term side effects—helps patients feel confident in the decision. They also outline how coordination becomes more complex with outside referrals and describe strategies for aligning procedural approaches and imaging review to maintain consistent, high-quality care.