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.
Risks associated with the procedure
Cryoablation is very safe and well tolerated by the majority of patients. Like any other surgical procedure however, some risks are associated with this procedure. There is a high incidence of erectile dysfunction that gets better with time in 50% of patients. Other uncommon complications include urinary incontinence, urinary retention, inflammation of the testicle and rarely rectal fistula. All of these complications are treatable.
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.
SUMMARY
Cryoablation therapy of the prostate offers:
•
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
Associated Urologists of Orange County are pleased to offer cryoablation of the prostate as a treatment option to patients who are good candidates for it. The procedure is covered by Medicare and several large health insurance carriers.
In view of his expertise in cryoablation, Dr. Tertzakian was recently made a member of Cryocare ICE, a select group of physicians who specialize and have experience in cryoablation.
Contact us at (714) 639-1915 to make an appointment to discuss the latest minimally invasive treatment options for prostate cancer.
Doctors with expertise in incontinence, bladder suspension ("bladder lift") and sling procedures, kidney stones, no needle no scalpel vasectomy, vasectomy reversal, laparoscopy and laparoscopic kidney and prostate surgery, prostate diseases including cancer and enlarged prostate, cryoablation (or cryotherapy) of prostate and kidney, robotic (da Vinci) prostate surgery
Adult and pediatric urology, urologic surgery, in Orange County California
Serving Orange, Tustin, Irvine, Santa Ana and Garden Grove
