Prostate Cancer Cryoablation

Context and indications

Prostate cryoablation is offered for localized, low-to-intermediate risk prostate cancer as an alternative to radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. It is particularly suited for focal therapy targeting only the tumor zone while preserving the rest of the gland.

Benefits

Minimally invasive treatment preserving urinary and sexual function, rapid recovery (2-3 days), possibility of retreatment in case of local recurrence, performed under local or general anesthesia.

Procedure

Under general or spinal anesthesia, cryoablation needles are inserted through the perineum (between the scrotum and anus) to the prostate under transrectal ultrasound or MRI fusion guidance. Two freeze-thaw cycles destroy the tumor tissue. The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours.

Risks

Risks include transient urinary retention (temporary bladder catheter), erectile dysfunction (depending on treatment location), urethro-rectal fistula (rare), urinary tract infection or perineal hematoma.

Follow-up

Overnight hospital stay with catheter removed the next day. Follow-up MRI at 3-6 months then PSA monitoring. Full recovery takes approximately 2 weeks.

Practical information

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. An overnight hospital stay is generally required.