About
Cryotherapy treats prostate cancer and is an alternative treatment to both radiation and surgery. It's a minimally invasive procedure and involves using nitrogen gas to freeze prostate tissue and kill cancer cells. The treatment is most effective for early-stage prostate cancer.
Need to know
-
What happens icon plus
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. -
How to prepare icon plus
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. -
Afterwards icon plus
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.
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
-
London Bridge Urology
Outpatient & Diagnostic Centre, 6th Floor, HCA UK at The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Request an appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.