Cryosurgery for prostate cancer

Cryosurgery for prostate cancer is a procedure that uses gases (such as liquid nitrogen) to freeze and destroy the cancer. It is also commonly referred to as cryotherapy or cryoablation. Cryosurgery is usually performed in an operating room under some type of anesthesia, and generally takes from 1 to 2 hours.

During the procedure, the doctor uses transrectal ultrasound to guide the placement of hollow needles into the prostate (which are inserted through the skin between the anus and scrotum). The gases go through the needles and create “ice balls” that destroy the entire prostate gland. This also freezes and damages the nearby nerves.

The freezing process is carefully monitored to prevent the urethra from freezing.

A catheter that drains urine from the bladder is typically inserted through a surgical cut in the abdomen before the procedure, and remains in place for several weeks. It is placed there because the prostate often swells after cryosurgery, which may prevent normal urination.

How it differs from radical prostatectomy

Cryotherapy for prostate cancer is considered to be less invasive, less painful, and generally involves a shorter hospital stay (about a day, but some men go home the same day) and a shorter recovery period. There is no long-term data about the effectiveness of cryosurgery for prostate cancer, compared to radical prostatectomy. While some men may choose it as their primary treatment, doctors may tend to use it after another treatment has failed.

Potential side effects

Soreness, swelling, and blood in the urine for up to 2 days are reported to be common following cryosurgery. Other side effects can include pain, burning, and more frequent urination and bowel movements, which are expected to get better over time.

According to the American Cancer Society, the rate of impotence with cryotherapy for prostate cancer is up to 80%. They also report that erectile dysfunction is more common with cryosurgery than radical prostatectomy.

Generally, the side effects from cryosurgery may be more severe if it follows radiation treatment. Urinary incontinence appears to be more common in men who have cryosurgery after radiation treatment, but it is not common when cryosurgery is the first treatment, according to the American Cancer Society.

A very small number of men (less than 1%) may need corrective surgery if they develop a fistula, which is an abnormal passageway that develops between the bladder and rectum.

Always discuss everything you read on this web site with a qualified medical professional.

Updated 11/10

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