Prostate cryoablation: Update 1998

Transrectal ultrasound-guided percutaneous transperineal prostate cryoablation has many attractive features both to the patient and to the urologist. The procedure typically can be done in a period of 2 hours or less on an outpatient basis with minimal blood loss and with the patient under regional or general anesthesia. With more experience in using the equipment and the techniques described, urologists can treat all stages of localized prostate cancer with relatively little morbidity. The results of this technique in the treatment of prostate cancer continue to appear promising. With follow-up of 5 years or more available in several series, cryoablation appears to be an effective modality for the eradication of localized prostate cancer, particularly low-volume cancer (PSA less than 10 ng/ml and Gleason score less than 7). Improved results, i.e., undetectable postcryoablation PSA levels and negative biopsies, may occur with modifications such as double freezing and pullback apical freezing. However, the complication rate also may increase with increased tissue destruction. To date, most complications reported have been relatively minor and require limited intervention. Notably, complications, especially incontinence, are significantly greater, in spite of successful eradication of residual tumor, in patients who undergo salvage cryoablation for recurrent disease after radiation therapy. In our experience, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate cryoablation appears to be effective in controlling local prostate cancer in 81% of patients with minimal morbidity. As with radical prostatectomy and irradiation techniques, longer follow-up is required; however, at this time prostate cryosurgery can be considered in the following situations: as a primary treatment alternative to surgery or irradiation, as salvage treatment for recurrent cancer after irradiation, and for debulking of large symptomatic primary tumors. We look forward to the prospective randomized clinical trial comparing prostate cryoablation with external irradiation.