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Stephan L. Werner, M.D., F.A.C.S. Cryotherapy or freeze therapy is a newer modality that is being used in some centers to treat initial or recurrent prostate cancer. Long term results are not yet available, but this new treatment may prove promising. It one of the few potentially curative treatments that can be given for local prostate cancer recurrence after radiation therapy or seeds. It may be offered as an alternative to Brachytherapy, (seeds), in patients who have urinary obstructive symptoms, as it helps to open the urinary channel over time. Cryotherapy is frequently done as an outpatient procedure either at a surgicenter or a hospital. (Medicare at this time requires a hospital admission). Under regional or general anesthesia multiple small probes are placed under sonographic guidance, through the perineum, (area between rectum and scrotum), into the prostate. By circulating argon gas through the probes, the prostate and some surrounding tissues are converted into an ice ball. As the ice ball is repeatedly formed and thawed , the cells are killed, and the area shrinks and is eventually replaced by scar tissue. A catheter is left in place for a period of time, and the patient goes home the same day. Pain is minimal, but it takes a period of time for the killed tissue to pass and allow for normal voiding. Some patients require catheterization for several weeks to months or occasionally trans urethral surgery to remove the killed tissue. Impotence occurs in virtually 100% of patients treated with cryotherapy as the nerves for erection lie on the surface of the prostate and are frozen as well. However as the technique develops, "nerve sparing" cryotherapy may become a reality. Incontinence, (loss of urinary control), may occur, but is not common.
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[Home] Werner - Francis Urology Associates llc - Mid Atlantic Urology Associates llc Greenbelt - Bowie - Laurel Maryland (301) 441-8900 Fax (301) 982 0453 7500 Hanover Parkway Suite 206 Greenbelt, MD 20770
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