[Transurethral cryocaustic therapy of the prostate]

In nearly one year 64 transurethral cryocaustics were performed because of adenoma of the bladder neck (36 cases) and carcinoma of the prostate (28 cases). Essentially, the authors' method consists in freezing the necessary quantity of tissue and then "exploding" the destroyed cells by sudden heating. In contrast to other authors, the catheter is kept in the patient for 8 days. All of the patients belonged into the high risk group with complete retention. In the case of adenoma the results were good in 66%, fair in 22% and unsuccessful in 3% of the patients, while in 82% of the prostate carcinoma patients the results were good, 14% urinated with moderate residues and the operation was practically unsuccessful in 4%. Success meant an abolishment of the residue and a disappearance or moderation of pyuria. So far no complications have been encountered, but complications are believed to be unavoidable later. Cryocaustics is recommended in the case of patients with serious circulatory insufficiency or when, because of contra-indicated anaesthesia, no radical operation can be performed.