Has the doctor told you or someone you know has prostate cancer? It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when you hear something like that. Then, when the doctor talks about surgery or radiation therapy, that fear can increase even more. But did you know that in addition to these methods, there is a special, less invasive treatment that destroys cancer cells by subjecting them to extreme cold, or rather, "chilling them"? Today, we are going to talk about a treatment that many people don't know about, but is very important, namely 'Prostate Cryotherapy'.
Simply put, what is Prostate Cryotherapy?
Prostate Cryotherapy is a treatment used to destroy prostate cancer cells. It uses extreme cold to freeze cancer cells and kill them. Think of it like water freezing, in this case the liquid inside the cancer cells freezes, the cell walls burst, and the cells die. This method is very subtle and targeted.
Other names for this are `(Prostate Cryoablation)` and `(Cryosurgery)`. Specialists (usually urologists) can perform this treatment on your entire prostate gland, or just on the part where the cancer is. This method is often used if the cancer has come back after radiation treatment. But for some people, it can also be used as the primary treatment.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
This treatment is usually used for prostate cancer that has not spread outside the prostate gland, is growing slowly, and has a low risk of spreading in the future. This treatment may be suitable for you if one or more of the following conditions apply to you:
- If you personally do not want to undergo major surgery or receive radiation treatment.
- If your doctor recommends that surgery and radiation therapy are not suitable for you due to other medical conditions in your body.
- If the cancer has come back despite previous radiation treatment (recurrent cancer).
- If you need to control pain or other symptoms caused by cancer.
The most important thing is that your doctor will decide whether this treatment is right for you, so it's important to talk to him or her openly about it.
How does this treatment work? It's amazing!
The way it works is actually very simple and scientific. In Prostate Cryotherapy treatment, cancer cells are destroyed by exposing them to extremely low temperatures, such as -40 degrees Celsius (-40°C). A special gas, called ``Argon gas``, is used for this purpose.
Here's what happens step by step:
1. Insertion of special probes: The doctor inserts very thin probes (called ``cryoprobes'') directly into the site of the cancer. These probes are not simply inserted. They use a scanning technique like ``transrectal ultrasound'' to see exactly where the cancer is and position the probes precisely.
2. Creating an ice ball: Then, Argon gas is passed through the needle. This gas causes the cancer cells around the needle to freeze rapidly, that is, to become solid. Within a few minutes, an "ice ball" is formed around the cancer. The doctor does this by observing it on a scan.
3. Reheating: After the ice ball is formed, the cancer cells are further weakened and allowed to melt. A gas called `(Helium gas)` is used for this. This gas melts the ice ball.
4. Repeat the process: The first freeze-thaw cycle weakens the cancer cells. Then, the freeze-thaw cycle is repeated at least once more to completely destroy the cells.
This process causes cancer cells to become unable to resist and die completely.
How do you prepare before treatment?
As with any medical procedure, you need to prepare for this one in advance. Your doctor will give you all the instructions you need. Following those instructions exactly will go a long way in minimizing any complications that may arise after the treatment. Here are some things you will usually be asked to do:
- Do not eat or drink anything for about 8 hours before the treatment (fasting).
- You may be asked to take a laxative to cleanse your colon.
- Arrange in advance for someone to drive you home after the treatment, as you will not be able to drive due to the anesthesia.
- Most importantly: Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by a doctor, over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, Ayurvedic or herbal remedies). Some medications, especially those that prevent blood clotting, may need to be stopped a few days before treatment.
What happens during treatment?
On the day of treatment, everything starts with doing whatever you need to do to avoid feeling any pain.
1. Anesthesia:First, you will be given anesthesia. This may be a general anesthesia that puts you completely to sleep, or a local anesthesia that numbs only the area below the waist.
2. Catheter insertion: Next, a very thin tube (catheter) is inserted into your urethra. This is done for two reasons. One is to infuse a warm saline solution through the tube to protect the urethra from the cold during the treatment. The other is to help keep urine flowing freely during and after the treatment.
3. Insertion of Cryoprobes: Next, the doctor, while looking at an ultrasound or MRI scan, inserts the previously mentioned thin probes very precisely into the areas of the prostate cancer.
4. Freezing and thawing: Then, using `(Argon)` and `(Helium)` gases, the cancer cells are subjected to a cycle of freezing and thawing several times.
The entire procedure usually takes about 45 minutes . However, you will need to stay in the hospital for two to three hours, including preparation time and post-treatment observation. In most cases, this is an outpatient procedure that allows you to go home without having to stay in the hospital.
What happens after treatment?
After the treatment is complete, the medical staff will monitor you until you are well. After that, you can go home. Only in special cases, you may be required to stay in the hospital overnight.
You will need to keep a catheter in your urethra for a week or two . You will be instructed on how to care for it until it is removed. Your doctor may also give you antibiotics to prevent infection.
What are the benefits of Prostate Cryotherapy treatment?
This treatment method has several significant advantages, which is why it is a good option in some cases.
| Advantage | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Minimally invasive | There is no major incision. Only a few thin needles are used. Therefore, there is less damage to the body. |
| No need to stay in the hospital (outpatient procedure) | You can often go home the same day as the treatment. |
| Minimal anesthesia | Full anesthesia is not required. It can be done with a numbing agent from the waist down. |
| Short recovery period | You can return to normal life more quickly than after major surgery. |
| Low risk of complications | Compared to major surgeries, the risk of bleeding and infection is low. |
| Can be repeated | If the cancer is not completely gone with the first treatment, this treatment can be repeated. |
| Being a good alternative (Alternative option) | A good option for those who do not want surgery or radiation treatments or for whom they are not suitable. |
Are there any side effects or complications?
As with any medical treatment, there is a risk of side effects and complications, but it is important to be aware of these in advance.
Most common side effects
There are two most commonly reported side effects of this treatment.
1. Erectile Dysfunction: This means difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection necessary for sexual intercourse.
2. Difficulty controlling urine (Urinary Incontinence): This means the involuntary loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
But here's the best news I can give you.The good news is that for most people, these side effects get better over time. You may see significant improvement in these conditions between 12 and 18 months after treatment.
Other side effects
In addition, you may temporarily experience the following:
- Swelling in scrotum
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Pelvic or rectal pain
- A little blood in the urine
- Needing to urinate frequently or quickly
Possible complications
These are very rare, but potentially serious complications.
- Damage to the tissues surrounding the prostate, for example, the rectum or bladder.
- An abnormal opening between the urethra and the anus (fistula).
Your doctor will explain these risks to you in detail.
How long does it take to recover? How successful is the treatment?
Recovery time can vary from person to person. But on average, most people can recover in about a week . Your catheter will be removed in a week or two. It's best to ask your doctor when it's best to resume your normal activities.
Now let's look at the success of this. Doctors measure the success of this treatment by looking at several factors:
- The time it takes for the blood test `Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)` to rise again.
- The time it takes for a cancerous tumor to grow again.
- The time it takes to switch to another treatment method.
Studies conducted based on these facts have found that Prostate Cryotherapy treatment has yielded successful results in between 76% and 90% of those who have undergone it, after three years .
How should you take care of yourself after treatment? When should you talk to the doctor?
After treatment, there are some things you need to do on your part.
- Know exactly how to care for your catheter.
- Take the medicine prescribed by the doctor at the right time and in the right manner.
- Ask your doctor how long it will take before you can do things like lift weights.
If any of the following symptoms occur, notify your doctor immediately:
- Fever .
- Urine that is bloody, cloudy, or has a strong odor (these may be signs of an infection).
- Unbearable pain .
Prostate Cryotherapy is a valuable tool in a doctor's toolbox. It may be the best option if other treatments are not suitable for you. Your doctor may even recommend it first. So, be sure to discuss the pros, cons, risks, and benefits of this treatment with your doctor without hesitation and make the decision that is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- Prostate Cryotherapy is a treatment method that "chisels" and destroys prostate cancer cells by subjecting them to extreme cold.
- This is less invasive than major surgery, and the recovery time is shorter.
- It can also be used as a primary treatment if the cancer recurs after radiation therapy.
- The most common side effects are sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence, but these usually improve over time.
- Only you and your doctor can make the best decision about whether this treatment is right for you, so talk openly about everything.
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