Cryosurgery as primary treatment for localized prostate cancer: a community hospital experience

The technique and recent experience incorporating cryosurgery into our community practice for primary treatment of localized prostate cancer is described. Between December 2000 and December 2001, a total of 93 patients underwent targeted cryoablation for localized prostate cancer. Of the 93 patients, 18 had failed radiotherapy, and cryotherapy was used as salvage therapy. The remaining 75 patients underwent targeted cryoablation of the prostate as primary therapy. A single urologist using an argon-based cryoablation system performed the procedure. Cryoprobes and thermosensors were placed under transrectal ultrasound guidance via a transperineal route. A double freeze-thaw cycle was used with anterior-to- posterior probe operation. Strategically placed thermosensors were used to monitor and control the freezing, and a warming catheter was used to protect the urethra. We achieved a nadir prostate-specific antigen level of < or =0.4 ng/mL in 84% of the entire population we studied (63 of 75 patients). Postsurgery complications were minimal. Incontinence developed in 4 patients, as did postsuprapubic catheter removal urinary retention. Erectile dysfunction developed in 28 of 34 patients who were potent preoperatively, with 6 of the 34 patients regaining potency after surgery. No rectourethral fistula formation occurred. Urethral sloughing was observed in 5 patients, 1 of whom developed a scrotal abscess during treatment of the sloughing. The use of cryoablation of the prostate for the treatment of localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate is feasible and can easily be transferred from the pioneering centers to the community hospitals without sacrificing safety or efficacy.