When a prostate tumor is discovered in its early stages, the cancer can often be removed by burning, freezing, or cutting out the abnormal cells. Cryosurgery is a fairly new but very promising method of killing cancer cells in the prostate gland by exposing them to extremely cold liquid nitrogen. During prostate cancer cryosurgery, a specialized hollow probe is placed in or on the tumor and liquid nitrogen is released. Cells promptly die, which usually stops the spread of cancer and causes the tumor to shrink away. There are some risks of damaging surrounding nerves and muscle tissue during cryosurgery, but experienced surgeons take strict precautions during the procedure to limit the chances of complications.
Prostate cancer cryosurgery may be considered when a doctor is sure that cancer is isolated to the prostate gland and that the patient is in relatively good health. Before deciding on the procedure, the doctor can explain what the patient can expect during treatment and the recovery phase. Cryosurgery is preferred by many surgeons and patients over more conventional operations because it is less invasive, generally less expensive, and has a shorter recovery time.
Most prostate cancer cryosurgery procedures take place in outpatient surgical centers. Before the treatment, the patient is given a small dose of local anesthetic in the area between his genitals and anus called the perineum. While lying on a table, a very small incision is made in the perineum and the thin probe is inserted. Real-time ultrasound imaging allows the surgeon to locate the prostate tumor and penetrate it with the probe. Liquid nitrogen is then released, causing the end of the probe to become extremely cold.
The probe is then moved around inside the tumor with the aid of ultrasounds. It is sometimes possible to eradicate a tumor while still preserving some of the prostate, but in most cases the entire gland must be frozen to ensure that all cancerous cells have been killed. After freezing the tumor, the probe is given time to thaw, and it is carefully withdrawn from the incision. The surgical scar is treated with antibiotics and a bandage to complete the procedure.
Prostate cancer cryosurgery can usually be performed in about one hour. After the procedure, the patient is monitored in a recovery room or hospital bed for at least 12 hours to make sure bleeding or other complications do not arise. The groin and perineum may be tender for a few days, but most patients are able to return to work and other activities about a week after their surgeries.
The most significant risk associated with prostate cancer cryosurgery is incidental damage to nearby tissue. Irritation and scarring may affect nerves in the area, which could result in permanent impotence. The rectal walls or urethra may also be damaged, leading to temporary pain and difficulties going to the bathroom. The majority of patients are able to recover from their surgeries without major, long-term problems.
