What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that utilizes a small needle to deliver extremely cold temperatures to treat cancer tumors. It has received FDA clearance, is endorsed by both the American Urological Association and the European Association of Urology, and is covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.

Cryotherapy is a versatile treatment option suitable for all stages and types of localized prostate cancer, including cases where radiation therapy has been unsuccessful. With over twenty years of clinical experience supporting its safety and effectiveness, cryotherapy has gained global recognition as a treatment for prostate cancer.

At Stanford, a team of radiologists and urologists who are experts in MR guided focal therapy collaborate on the treatment day to provide this innovative procedure.

Benefits of Cryotherapy

  • No incision, no radiation treatment 
  • Personalized treatment plan for each patient
  • Focused approach using MR imaging
  • Precise ablation with continuous monitoring during treatment
  • Tissue-sparing technique preserves healthy tissue and reduces side effects
  • Lower risk of erectile dysfunction/urinary incontinence compared to surgery or radiation 
  • One-session, outpatient procedure 
  • Short recovery time permits rapid return to everyday life
  • Minimal or no pain
  • Can be used when other treatments have failed

Are you a good candidate?

Cryotherapy is a potential treatment option for prostate cancer confined to the prostate gland. It can be considered as an alternative to surgery or radiation, or for individuals who have recurrent or persistent cancer after prior radiation therapy. The decision to pursue cryotherapy for prostate cancer should be individualized and made in consultation with a qualified specialist like a Urologist, Uro-Oncologist, or a Interventional Radiologist with expertise in prostate cancer management. In-depth evaluation often includes prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), prostate CT scan, and a targeted prostate biopsy to inform treatment decisions thoroughly.

What You Can Expect

Consultation

Your physician will assess your specific case, considering factors such as the stage and location of the cancer, your overall health, and your treatment goals to determine if Exablate is an appropriate option for you.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is typically an outpatient procedure generally performed in a single session.

Follow-up visits

Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare team are crucial to monitor your recovery, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and address any concerns or side effects. Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding follow-up appointments.

Recovery and return to activities

Patients can quickly return to their daily activities within a few days following the procedure.

FAQs

  • Cryoablation is performed in the hospital as an outpatient procedure. Patients are typically discharged from the clinic on the same day as the procedure, depending on the doctor’s assessment.

  • The procedure is performed in a single session that takes a few hours (4-6 hours). It is conducted under general anesthesia, therefore patients are required to have a ride to and from the hospital.

  • Patients typically experience little to no pain after the procedure. Any discomfort is treated with over the counter pain medications
  • Our team will provide close follow-up during your recovery.
  • Patients are encouraged to have a friend or family member assist them for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure.
  • A urinary catheter is placed for 1 week after your procedure. The physician will assess urinary function to determine the appropriate removal date.
  • Blood in the urine may be seen temporarily in the weeks after procedure. Approximately 1 in 10 patients may
    develop a urinary infection requiring antibiotics.
  • Within days to weeks after the procedure, patients are able to resume their previously active lifestyles