Cryoablation This relatively new treatment involves freezing prostate cancer cells to destroy them. The procedure, known as cryoablation, involves the insertion of small freezing probes into the prostate. The prostate is frozen for between 8 and 15 minutes. The patients are under general or spinal anesthesia and stay in the hospital for just one day. Some leave the same day.
Radiologists use ultrasound imaging to monitor the probes and extent of freezing.
If appropriate, patients may benefit from participating in clinical trials of microwave induced hyperthermia, laser induced hyperthermia and laser fulguration of the prostate. The patient is normally enrolled in such trials by their physician. Prostate cancer has become the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the Untied States. But until recently, we have heard little about this silent killer. When public figures such as Don Ameche, Telly Savalas, Bill Bixby, and Frank Zappa died of this disease, information began to leak into the media.