What you can expect

During cryotherapy for prostate cancer

Cryotherapy for prostate cancer is done in the hospital. You may be given a drug called a general anesthetic to put you in a sleep-like state. Sometimes a regional anesthetic is used so that you'll remain aware of your surroundings but won't feel anything in the treatment area.

Once the anesthetic takes effect, your doctor:

• Places an ultrasound probe in your rectum.
• Places a catheter inside the tube (urethra) that carries urine out of the body. The catheter is filled with a warming solution to keep the urethra from freezing during the procedure.
• Inserts several thin metal probes or needles through the area between the scrotum and the anus (perineum) into the prostate.
• Watches the images generated by the ultrasound probe to ensure correct placement of the needles.
• Releases a gas to circulate through the probes or needles that causes freezing in the prostate tissue.
• Monitors and controls the temperature of the needles and the amount of freezing within the prostate gland.
• May place a catheter into your bladder through your lower abdomen to assist in draining urine after cryotherapy.

After cryotherapy for prostate cancer

You'll likely be able to go home the day of your procedure, or you may spend the night in the hospital. The catheter may need to remain in place for about two weeks to allow for healing. You might also be given an antibiotic to prevent infection.

After the procedure, you may experience:

• Soreness and bruising for several days where the probes or needles were placed
• Blood in your urine for several days
• Problems emptying your bladder and bowels, which usually resolve over time