Cryotherapy for prostate cancer

During the procedure, a trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe is passed into the rectum. This helps guide the urologist when they insert a number of thin metal rods through the perineum into the prostate.

A catheter is then inserted into the urethra and filled with warming fluid. Liquid nitrogen is released into the rods and this serves to freeze the isolated areas of tissue that are in contact with the metal, killing the cancerous cells. The urethra is protected from the cold by the warming fluid circulating through the catheter.

Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

Cryotherapy usually requires an inpatient stay of up to two days but there is very little blood loss and recovery time is only up to two weeks. The side effects include short-term urinary problems and possible injury to the rectum.

Cyrotherapy seems to have a higher success rate than any form of radiotherapy but if all of the cancer cells are not killed during the first treatment then the procedure will need to be repeated.