Late results following cryosurgery of the prostate in 111 high-risk patients

The so-called cryoprostatectomy was performed on 111 high-risk patients from November 1970 to December 1975 (60-month period). 86 patients (78.5%) had an adenoma and 25 patients (21.5%) a carcinoma of the prostate. During this period of time 1,085 more patients with adenoma or carcinoma were treated by open prostatectomy or TUR. Experience has shown that cryoprostatectomy should be performed only on high-risk patients whose physical condition excludes operation and the only alternative would be continuous urethral catheter drainage. Any further indication must be rejected.