Cryotherapy
What is cryotherapy?
Prostate cryotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer which uses extremely cold temperatures to destroy tumors without incisions. The consultant will insert needles into your prostate and pass a special gas through which freezes cancerous cells and monitors the movement of the needles with ultrasound.
What to expect from cryotherapy treatment
Prostate cryotherapy typically lasts between 90 minutes to 2 hours and can be conducted as a day case, usually without the need for an overnight stay.
You may experience mild discomfort post-procedure and will have a catheter fitted for 1 to 2 weeks in order to drain urine from your bladder.
Most patients experience a sense of relief following treatment, with potential emotional responses. Return to work is often possible within a week after catheter removal, as cryotherapy doesn’t involve extensive surgery, and resumption of active hobbies and sports is usually advised after a week or two, as per the doctor’s recommendation.
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy presents several advantages compared to alternative treatments for prostate cancer.
- It is a minimally invasive procedure, performed without incisions, meaning recovery time is shorter.
- Cryotherapy is often completed in a single session or requires just one overnight stay, meaning you can return home and take up regular activities quicker than alternative treatments.
- Side effects such as incontinence or rectal damage and irritation are lessened.
For more information on cryotherapy, download our patient brochure here.
Qualifications
FRCS(Urol), PhD, MA, BM, BCh
Clinical Interests
Diagnosis and management of prostate cancer
Diagnosis and management of benign enlarged prostate
Management of lower...
Qualifications
FRCS(Urol), PhD, MA, BM, BCh
Clinical Interests
Diagnosis and management of prostate cancer
Diagnosis and management of benign enlarged prostate
Management of lower...
