CRYOTHERAPY for Prostate Cancer
Freezing as an alternative to prostate removal
Similar results - fewer complications

Men with localized prostate cancer have another treatment option besides surgery and radiation. It is cryotherapy, an outpatient procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer.

Cryotherapy is as effective as traditional prostate surgery - but with fewer complications. And because it can now be used with nerve-sparing techniques, cryotherapy can help preserve sexual function and urinary control.

How The Procedure Is Performed
Performed in a hospital or surgicenter, cryotherapy requires the insertion of multiple, hollow tubes called cryoprobes into the prostate via ultrasound guidance. Once the probes are in position, super-chilled liquid argon circulates through the tips to create a "spherical" freeze zone. The resulting "ice balls" freeze the prostate and destroy the cancer. A catheter, circulating warm water, is used to protect the urethra and surrounding tissue from the cold.

Patients undergoing cryotherapy receive a spinal, an epidural or general anesthesia. They can be discharged the same day as the procedure, however, some may require an overnight stay. Pain is minimal. Recuperation generally takes one to two weeks.

Who Are Candidates
Cryotherapy is best reserved for men whose cancer is "localized" or contained to the prostate. Typically these patients include:

• Older men who are at risk for surgery
• Younger men who want to avoid major surgery
• Men who want to avoid "watchful waiting"
• Men who failed prior radiation treatments

We Are Among The Most Experienced In Cryotherapy
South County Urological introduced cryotherapy to the St. Louis metropolitan area in September 1993. Its physicians - Dr. Abe Hawatmeh and Dr. Frederick Walters - are among the most experienced in the technique locally. Now with the third generation of cryotherapy equipment, our urologists can treat the affected side or lobe of the prostate, rather than the entire gland to help preserve potency.