Prostate Cryotherapy performed at
Cairns Urology by
Dr Neil S. I. Gordon.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cryotherapy

Click on the following questions to read answers:

1.	Will Cryotherapy help control my prostate cancer?
2.	Will it cure me of prostate cancer?
3.	How long will I be in hospital?
4.	Will I notice any side effects?
5.	Will my erections be affected?
6.	Is ejaculation affected?
7.	How long do I have a catheter in for?
8.	When can I drive?
9.	When can I go back to work?
10.	Am I able to drink alcohol after Cyrotherapy surgery?
11.	What other treatment will I need?
12.	How will I be followed up?

Question No 1:	Will Cryotherapy help control my prostate cancer?
Answer:	If the prostate cancer is localised to the prostate, then it is highly likely that Cryotherapy will be of benefit as it is a treatment directed toward tumours within the prostate gland. That is to say, tumours which have not spread to other parts of the body.

Question No 2:

Will it cure me of prostate cancer?

Answer:

In order to be guaranteed of being “cured” of prostate cancer it would require a total removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy) with a demonstration of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) level of zero for the remainder of the patient’s life span. Any other treatment for prostate cancer will usually leave the patient with a small level of PSA measurable within the circulation. The important thing is that the PSA level does not rise which would suggest growth of recurrent prostate tissue. That tissue may be either benign (non cancerous) or possibly cancerous prostate tissue. The way to find out would be to repeat the Biopsy to look for any sign of cancerous tissue.

Question No 3:	How long will I be in hospital?
Answer:	This procedure is usually carried out as a day case, so the patient goes home on the day of the procedure.

Question No 4:	Will I notice any side effects?
Answer:	Most patients will develop some swelling around the penis and testicles which will go away completely if the patient rests (generally spends most of the time lying down) over the next 2-3 days.

Question No 5:

Will my erections be affected?

Answer:

All treatments for prostate cancer are likely to reduce the frequency and quality of a patient’s erections. This is also the case with Cryotherapy. It is usually the case following nerve sparing radical prostatectomy that in the 12-18 months following surgery assistance is required to achieve erections. That assistance is usually in the form of medications (tablets), injection treatment or the use of a vacuum device to enable erections to occur. Spontaneous erections do not always return.

Question No 6:

Is ejaculation affected?

Answer:

The amount and force of ejaculation fluid is affected by all treatments carried out on the prostate whether that is for cancerous or non-cancerous prostates. The amount of ejaculate fluid is usually reduced as is the force of ejaculation. That is because approximately 50% of the ejaculate fluid comes from the prostate gland and treatments designed to destroy prostate tissue will affect the ability of the prostate to produce that fluid. In addition, the tubes (vas deferens) taking the sperm from the testicles to the penis may well become scarred and prevent the transport of sperm. Patients undergoing these treatments are usually unable to become fathers through natural intercourse.

Question No 7:	How long do I have a catheter in for?
Answer:	A catheter usually remains in place for up to 5-7 days and once it is removed, the ability of your bladder to empty will be estimated using an ultrasound instrument placed on the surface of the lower abdomen after you have passed urine.

Question No 8:	When can I drive?
Answer:	Most patients are able to drive within 2-3 days with a catheter in place and within 2 days of its removal.

Question No 9:	When can I go back to work?
Answer:	Most office workers can return to work within 2-3 days but usually it is best to wait until the catheter has been removed and a normal pattern of urination has been established which is usually within a week. Patients with occupations which require manual labour or operation of machinery may be best to wait between 7-14 days before returning to work.

Question No 10:	Am I able to drink alcohol after Cyrotherapy surgery?
Answer:	Generally speaking it is best to avoid alcohol for a week following the procedure as it can lead to increased swelling of the tissues. However, daily consumption of 2-3 standard drinks is unlikely to do harm.

Question No 11:	What other treatment will I need?
Answer:	It is unlikely that further treatment will be needed once the catheter has been removed and the patient is passing urine satisfactorily.

Question No 12:	How will I be followed up?
Answer:	The patient is usually followed up 3-4 weeks following the removal of the catheter. However, the patient is encouraged to telephone for advice if any concerns arise. If necessary, an appointment for consultation will be arranged as required. Thereafter regular PSA estimations will be carried out and appropriate examinations and questioning regarding symptoms carried out also.