In addition, although cryosurgery may be considered an alternative to surgery or radiation therapy in a limited number of cases, its long-term effectiveness has not been demonstrated conclusively. Cryosurgery does have side effects, although they may be less severe than those associated with surgery or radiation therapy. Cryosurgery for prostate cancer may affect the urinary system. Cryosurgery for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia has not been shown to affect fertility, but this possibility is under study. More studies must be conducted to determine the long-term effects of cryosurgery.
Cryosurgery offers some advantages over other methods of cancer treatment.
It is less invasive than surgery, involving only a small incision or insertion of the cryoprobe through the skin. Consequently, pain, bleeding, and other complications of surgery are minimized. Cryosurgery is less expensive than other treatments and requires shorter recovery time and a shorter hospital stay. Because physicians can focus cryosurgical treatment on a limited area, they can avoid the destruction of nearby healthy tissue. The treatment can be safely repeated and may be used along with standard treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.