Some interesting items found at the Associated Urologists of Orange County website:

Cryoablation therapy for prostate benefits include:
A minimally invasive procedure
Favorable success rates
Low complication rates
A short recuperation period
Procedure can be repeated if the first cryoablation has failed
It is less costly than other traditional treatments
Avoids traditional surgery and radiation

What is cryoablation?

Cryoablation of the prostate is a relatively new technique to treat prostate cancer. It is also called cryotherapy, cryosurgery, or just "cryo." It involves the controlled freezing of the prostate gland in order to destroy cancerous cells. Freezing occurs at the molecular, cellular and whole tissue structure levels. The small blood vessels feeding the cancer are destroyed by the freezing as well, further adding to the efficacy of the procedure.

Who are suitable candidates for cryoablation of the prostate?

Patients with organ-confined prostate cancer (stage T1-T3) and with cancer recurrence after radiation therapy are suitable candidates for cryoablation.

How is the procedure performed?

Under anesthesia, an ultrasound probe is inserted in the rectum. The prostate is imaged and measured. A computerized program is used to plan the treatment. Thermoprobes and cryoprobes are placed through the perineum at predetermined sites within the prostate. Freezing is started and monitored continuously both visually thru the transrectal ultrasound and by computer. Two freezing cycles are usually done.

Post-operative care

Patients are observed overnight in the hospital and discharged the day following the procedure with a suprapubic urinary catheter in place for drainage. The catheter is taken out few days later after the patient is able to void on his own. Pain associated with the procedure is minimal and usually controlled with oral pain medications. Other symptoms and signs patients may experience are generalized fatigue for a few days, scrotal swelling, urethral discharge and irritative urinary symptoms. All these problems subside within two to three weeks after cryoablation.

A PSA test is usually done at three months after cryoablation and repeated every three months. Close patient follow-up is mandatory to detect and treat potential cancer recurrence early.

Results of cryoablation

Seven and ten –year results show clinical outcomes after cryoablation comparable to those achieved with radiation therapy (conformal and brachytherapy) and surgery. Unlike radiation therapy, cryoablation can be repeated in case of cancer recurrence.