Prostate Cancer
What are Barrigel and fiducial markers?
The short answer
Before prostate radiation, tiny gold markers can be placed in the prostate.
They help the radiation team aim precisely each day.
Worth knowing
Barrigel is a spacer gel placed between the prostate and rectum to protect the rectum from radiation.
Both are placed in a short procedure.
When to come in
If you're planning radiation, ask about markers and spacer gel.
Talking it over with us
We’d be glad to talk this through with you at our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center, 1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078, or our Conyers Clinic, 1366 Wellbrook Circle Suite B, Conyers, GA 30012. You can ask for a particular urologist by name, or let our scheduling team find the first opening.
How our urologists approach this
Getting ready for prostate radiation involves several steps, and our urologists work closely with the radiation team so they happen in the right order. We explain what the markers and spacer gel are for, how they’re placed, and how they fit with your treatment schedule. You’ll know what to expect before, during and after the short procedure.
What to expect when you see us
Before placement we’ll review your medicines, especially blood thinners, and give you instructions for the day itself. Bring your radiation calendar if you have one so we can plan around it. We’ll also make sure you know who to call with questions afterward.
Getting ready
Bring your medicine list and radiation calendar, and arrange a ride home if you’ll have sedation. Tell us about any bleeding problems or allergies, and about earlier pelvic surgery.
When to call us
Call us if you have fever, chills, heavy bleeding or trouble urinating after the procedure. With fever or heavy bleeding, go to the ER first.
Questions we often hear
What do the markers do?
Tiny gold markers help the radiation team aim precisely each day.
What does the spacer gel do?
Barrigel sits between the prostate and rectum to protect the rectum from radiation.
Watch a short video
Dr. A. Dev Mally talks about prostate cancer in this short video.
Keep reading
This is general education, not a diagnosis. All articles