Prostate Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Let's Learn About It Simply

It is normal for many people to feel a great deal of fear and anxiety when they learn about prostate cancer . But the most important thing we need to remember is that there are very effective treatments for this today. Most of the time you have heard about surgery and radiation therapy . But today we are going to talk about a slightly different, but very effective treatment. It is called prostate cryotherapy, or `(Prostate Cryoablation )`. Some people also call it `(Prostate Cryoablation)`.

What is cryotherapy?

Simply put, this involves freezing the cancer cells in the prostate gland and destroying them. Think of it like freezing water, but at a much lower temperature, like minus 40°C, the cancer cells are destroyed.

This treatment is performed by a specialist in bladder and urethral surgery ( urologist ). Sometimes the entire prostate is treated, and other times only the part with the cancer . This method is often used, especially if the cancer has come back after radiation therapy. It may also be recommended as the primary treatment for some people.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

This treatment is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will carefully examine your condition and decide whether it is suitable for you. This treatment is usually considered in the following cases:

• If the cancer has not spread: This is suitable for cancers that have not spread outside the prostate gland, are growing slowly, and have a low risk of spreading in the future.
• If you don't want surgery or radiation: Some people don't want to undergo major surgery or radiation. This is a good option for them.
• When the doctor does not recommend other methods: If your doctor decides that major surgery or radiation therapy is not suitable for you due to other health problems in your body, he or she may suggest this method.
• When cancer recurs after radiation treatment:This can be a very successful treatment for patients whose cancer has recurred after receiving previous radiation treatment.
• To reduce pain and symptoms: In some cases, this method also helps control pain or other symptoms caused by cancer.

How does this treatment work? It's amazing!

This is a very interesting thing to do. The doctor inserts special thin needles, called cryoprobes, through the skin into the prostate gland where the cancer is. They use a scanning technique called transrectal ultrasound to guide these needles precisely to their target.

Then, a special gas called argon is injected through the needle. This gas rapidly cools the tissue around the needle to a temperature of minus 40°C (-40°C). This extreme cold causes ice cubes to form inside the cancer cells, causing the cell walls to burst and kill them. The doctor watches the formation of this 'ice ball' on a scan.

Once the cancer cells are well frozen, another gas called helium is sent to heat the area again. This is called a 'freeze-thaw cycle', which means a 'freeze and thaw cycle'. This first cycle weakens the cancer cells greatly. Then, it is frozen once or twice more , and then heated again, completely destroying the cancer cells.

How do you prepare before treatment?

Your doctor will give you clear instructions about what to do before your treatment. It is important to follow these instructions exactly to minimize complications. You may be asked to do the following:

• Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the treatment (fasting).
• You may be asked to take a laxative to cleanse your colon.
• It is essential to have someone to take you home after treatment, as you will not be able to drive.
• You should definitely tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including those prescribed by your doctor, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and even Ayurvedic or herbal remedies.

What happens during treatment?

You will not feel any pain during the treatment.

1. Anesthesia: First, you will be given anesthesia. It can be general anesthesia or local anesthesia.

2. Inserting the catheter:Next, a tube, called a catheter, is inserted into your urethra. A slightly warm saline solution is passed through this tube. This prevents the urethra from being damaged by extreme cold.

3. Needle insertion: Then, as mentioned earlier, with the help of an `(Ultrasound)` or `(MRI)` scan, special needles `(Cryoprobes)` are inserted into the prostate gland at very precise locations.

4. Freezing and lysis: Then, using argon and helium gases, the cancer cells are destroyed by being frozen and lysed several times.

The entire procedure usually takes about 45 minutes . However, you will have to stay in the hospital for about two to three hours. In most cases, this is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day. However, in some cases, you may have to stay in the hospital overnight.

What are the advantages of this method?

There are actually several advantages to this treatment method.

Are there possible side effects and complications?

As with any medical treatment, there are some possible side effects. But don't worry, most of these are temporary.

These side effects are especially likely if you have had other treatments, such as radiation therapy to the prostate, in the past. But the good news is that for most people, these conditions gradually improve within 12-18 months of treatment.

In addition, the following may occur temporarily:

• Swelling of the testicles.
• Burning or pain when urinating.
• Pain in the pelvis or rectum.
• A little blood in the urine.
• Needing to urinate frequently or quickly.

Very rarely, serious complications can occur, such as damage to the rectum or bladder, or the formation of an abnormal opening (fistula) between the urethra and rectum. However, these are very rare.

How long does it take to recover? How successful is the treatment?

The recovery time varies from person to person, but you should be back to normal within a week or so . Your doctor will remove the catheter in a week or two. Ask your doctor when you can resume normal activities.

The success of this treatment is measured by how long your PSA (Prostate-specific antigen - PSA) level doesn't rise and how long the cancer doesn't grow back. Studies have shown that this treatment is successful in 76 to 90 out of 100 cases three years after treatment. That's a really good result.

When should I see the doctor?

Never be afraid to ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, either before or after treatment. In particular, if you have signs of infection, such as fever, blood in the urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or pain, let your doctor know right away .