How Barrigel™ Rectal Spacer Works

Significantly reduce rectal side effects of prostate radiation therapy with CLINICALLY PROVEN1 Barrigel™ rectal spacer.

 

The Importance of Space

 

Being located so close to the prostate puts the rectum at risk for radiation exposure.

Radiation-Dose-Margin-Without-Barrigel

Prostate cancer radiation therapy without a rectal spacer

Radiation Dose Margin Illustration FNL

Prostate cancer radiation therapy with Barrigel™ rectal spacer

 

Barrigel™ rectal spacer helps protect the rectum by reducing the amount of high-dose radiation that reaches it during treatment.1

 

How it Works

Barrigel™ rectal spacer is a biocompatible hyaluronic gel, placed between the prostate and rectum before radiation therapy starts.2-3,† The space created helps protect the rectum by moving it out of the high-dose radiation area.1

The spacer stays in place for the duration of your radiation therapy,1,2 and your body safely aborbs the gel over time.2,3

See how Barrigel™ works to protect healthy rectal tissue from unwanted high-dose radiation exposure.

PERSONALIZED SPACING FOR OPTIMAL COVERAGE

 

Barrigel protecting rectum during prostate radiation

Barrigel™ spacer is the only rectal spacer that can be sculpted to fit the unique contours of your anatomy.1,2,4-6 This advanced control helps your doctor create an even, consistent implant that provides optimal coverage1,2,5 between the prostate and rectum.

 

SAFE AND EFFECTIVE

Hopeful man jogging

To date, Barrigel™ spacer has been used in over 75,000†† cancer patients during prostate radiation therapy. Barrigel™ rectal spacer is made from Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid also known as NASHA.7

The NASHA Platform has a proven history of safety and efficacy and is used in many common medical procedures worldwide.†,2,3

NASHA slide-simplified

References

  • 1. Mariados NF, Orio PF III, King MT et al. JAMA Oncol (2023).*
    2. Svatos M, Chell E, Low DA et al. Med Phys (2024)*
    3. Restylane® celebrates 25 years of natural-looking results with its signature line of hyaluronic acid fillers. 2021
    4. Williams J, Mc Millan K, Chao M et al. J Med Imag Radiat Sci (2022).
    5. Gejerman G, Goldstein MM, Chao M et al. Pract Radiat Oncol (2023).**
    6. Data on File. As of 4/01/2025.
    7. Barrigel Injectable Gel Instructions for Use (2022).
    8. King MT, Svatos M, Orio PF III et al. Pract Radiat Oncol (2023).*
    *Study sponsored by Palette Life Sciences, now part of Teleflex.
    **Drs Gejerman, Chao, Lederer, and Orio are paid consultants of Palette Life Sciences, now part of Teleflex.
    †Barrigel, made from NASHA, is indicated for rectal spacing in prostate cancer patients and was FDA-cleared in May, 2022.
    ††Management estimate based on product sales as of January 2025
APM1226-10A

Barrigel™ Rectal Spacer FAQs

What is Barrigel™ rectal spacer made of and is it safe?

Barrigel™ rectal spacer is a sterile, transparent gel which is the first and only hyaluronic acid rectal spacer on the market.1-3 Barrigel spacer is made from Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid, known as NASHA.4 NASHA has a long history of safety, efficacy and biocompatibility in a wide variety of medical applications, including dermatology and pediatric medicine.5,6 

What are the risks associated with Barrigel™ rectal spacer?

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 may include a mild to moderate sensation of rectal filling. Talk to your doctor about the risks associated with Barrigel™ rectal spacer. 

How is the procedure performed?

Barrigel™ rectal spacer 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 while sculpting the Barrigel spacer to your anatomy.

Where is the procedure done?

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

How long before I can get back to regular activities following the procedure?

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. Talk to your doctor about when to return to your normal routine. 

How long will Barrigel™ rectal spacer remain in my body?

Barrigel™ rectal spacer will stay in place for the duration of your radiation therapy and may begin to safely reabsorb into your body after 3 months.1,6 It is important to note that Barrigel spacer 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 rectal spacer 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 rectal spacer. 

Which types of radiation therapy can Barrigel™ rectal spacer be used with?

Barrigel™ rectal spacer can be used with all forms of radiation therapy when treating T1T3b prostate cancer.4 Talk with your doctor to find out if Barrigel is right for you.

References

  • 1. Mariados NF, Orio PF III, King MT et al. JAMA Oncol (2023).*

    2. King MT, Svatos M, Orio PF III et al. Pract Radiat Oncol (2023).*

    3. Data on File. As of 04/01/2025.

    4. Barrigel Injectable Gel Instructions for Use (2022).

    5. Restylane® celebrates 25 years of natural-looking results with its signature line of hyaluronic acid f illers. 2021.

    6. Svatos M, Chell E, Low DA et al. Med Phys (2024).*

    *Study sponsored by Palette Life Sciences, now part of Teleflex. 

    • APM1226-13A