Advantages
of Prostate Cancer Cryosurgery
The advantages of minimally invasive
prostate cancer surgery hold benefits in terms
of recovery and risk when compared to traditional
open procedures. Consequently, cryosurgery for
prostate cancer—a noninvasive prostate cancer
treatment utilizing freeze cycles to destroy cancerous
cells—shares these very same patient benefits.
From a decreased hospital stay to a shorter recovery
period, cryotherapy has emerged as a viable treatment
alternative for patients with primary or recurring
cancer that is confined to the prostate gland.
In terms of treatment success, there are few long-term
studies. However, a recent study that followed
men for a period of ten years concluded that cryosurgery
of the prostate may be comparable to traditional
modalities of treatment, like radiation therapy.
What’s more, cryotherapy treatments may serve
as a suitable alternative to surgery for those
individuals unable to endure the risks of a prostatectomy,
like the elderly or those afflicted with other
disqualifying medical conditions. Additionally,
cryotherapy of the prostate does not prevent the
use of alternative treatments like radiation or
surgery should the cancer reoccur. In summary,
known benefits of prostate cryotherapy include:
- A reduced period of recovery
after cryotherapy treatment when compared against
invasive surgical procedures
- Less post-operative pain and
swelling than that experienced after an open
prostate cancer surgery
- One- to two-day hospital stay
- Less chance of blood loss
Cryotherapy and Prostate Cancer: An Evaluation
of Procedure Risks
As the prevalence of long-term studies is lacking,
clinicians cannot say with certainty that prostate
cryosurgery is proven as a prostate cancer cure.
Certain experts believe the freezing process at
times fails to destroy the presence of all cancerous
cells and thus, presents the chance of a prostate
cancer recurrence. Other risks include the potential
of tissue damage, including injury to the urethra
and bladder, the risk of infection, as well as
the obstruction of the urethra. Also, complications
commonly attributed to many other prostate cancer
treatments, like prostate cancer surgery, apply
to cryotherapy treatment as well. These risks
include impotence and incontinence.
Is Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer a Viable
Treatment Option?
When considering a prostate cancer treatment,
it is important to consult with your physician
to determine if prostate cryosurgery is right
for you. The minimally invasive advantages of
cryotherapy combined with promising studies suggest
this next era of prostate cancer treatment may
prove effective for individuals afflicted with
primary and recurring cancer of the prostate.
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