Cryotherapy

Abstract

TRUS-guided transcutaneous cryotherapy in the treatment of the prostatic carcinoma is performed by perineal approach, the intraoperatory monitoring of temperatures and a mechanical hydraulic sonorguided separation between prostate and the anterior rectal wall. Six to eight probes are used, the Argon gas in the freezing phase (-10 °C and -40 °C) and Helio gas for heating phase. TRUS-guided cryoterapy is a possible therapeutich option in the treatment of localized or locally advanced prostatic carcinoma and after RT, in case of the relapse in alternative to the rescue prostatectomy. We examined in both procedures the most significant series concerning the oncologic results and morbility. At present, TRUS-guided cryotherapy represents a mininvasive therapeutic option in selected patients (ASA 2–3). For the future an evaluation of the survival years compared with quality of life and randomized studies will be necessary.