[Current role of cryosurgery in benign prostatic hypertrophy compared to recent minimally invasive methods]

The authors review results of 20 years of cryosurgery for benign prostatic hypertrophy based on 992 cases treated by this method. In particular, they compare the 500 more recent cases of cryocauterisation with the new minimally invasive techniques proposed:balloon dilatation, prostatic stent, thermotherapy, hyperthermia, medical treatment with a 5-alpha-reductase. A study of the cost of these treatments with similar performances places cryosurgery in a good position. It covers the largest range of therapeutic indications with the fewest contraindications in high-risk patients. Good long-term objective results were observed. In their current state of application, thermotherapy and hyperthermia are essentially palliative modalities.