[The current place of cryosurgery in urology]

Research on 880 cases. Cryosurgery was chosen for high-risk patients when other methods were contra-indicated. The operation is performed with no anesthetics. There is no risk of bleeding even in patients presenting with a high hypocoagulation. The operative technique is explained in detail, and precise indications are given for prostatic adenoma as well as for malignant tumors. The allied techniques of cryocautery and cryo-TUR are also described. Resumption of urination is assured in 87% of cases. Complications are rare if the protocol is scrupulously respected. The complications are discussed. There are other indications for cryosurgery in urology, such as for bladder tumors, but in rare cases only, and this technique should be considered as experimental.