Change font size

Increase size Decrease size Revert styles to default
Cryosurgery of the Prostate
cryosurgery treatment prostate
If we diagnose you with prostate cancer, your treatment plan may have the end goal of destroying the cancer and the prostate gland together. This process, known as ablating the gland, effectively destroys the tumor and any cancerous cells that are in the gland. By destroying the entire gland, the chance of the cancer returning is greatly reduced. One option you have for prostate cancer ablation is Cryosurgery.

Cryosurgery involves exposing the gland to extremely cold temperatures in order to freeze it along with the cancer it contains. To accomplish this, argon gas is delivered directly into the tissue using tiny probes. Argon is an extremely cold gas, so this procedure effectively freezes and destroys the tissue in the prostate gland, including the cancer it contains.

Throughout the procedure the physician uses temperature sensors to monitor the glandular tissue in order to know when the correct temperature for ablation has been reached. Once the target temperature is attained, the physician continues the procedure by infusing the gland with helium gas, which warms and thaws the tissue. This process of freezing and then thawing the tissue is repeated two more times. At the end of the procedure, the prostate gland and the cancer are destroyed. In order to protect the urethra from freezing, a catheter filled with warm saline solution is placed inside it while the procedure is underway.

After the procedure is finished you will be admitted to the hospital for the night. This allows the doctor to monitor your healing. A catheter will be inserted to help you empty your bladder for two or three weeks while you are healing.

Radiation Free, Non-Surgical, Minimally Invasive Prostate Cancer Treatment

Treating your prostate cancer with Cryosurgery means you will be utilizing a minimally invasive procedure, rather than undergoing major surgery. This procedure can even be done under localized anesthesia if you prefer it to general anesthesia. Because there is no radiation involved with Cryosurgery, it is much safer for you than some other prostate cancer treatments. This therapy is usually covered by insurance providers. Also, it carries a low risk of incontinence. While impotence is a risk from cryothearpy when using the procedure to treat prostate cancer, newer treatment methods are reducing this risk.
 
[ Back ]