Prostate Cancer Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses argon gas to freeze and helium gas to thaw. This process destroys cancer cells in the prostate. A warming catheter is inserted through the urethra to protect it during the freezing process of the prostate. The cancer cells in the prostate are destroyed as they thaw.
This procedure normally takes about 2-3 hours to perform and requires general or spinal anesthesia. Cryotherapy is considered an outpatient procedure, although it may require an overnight stay if determined by the physician.
Possible side effects from cryotherapy may include permanent impotence from the freezing process, since nerves influencing sexual potency may be affected. Also, urethral sloughing cause from dead or necrotic tissue produced by the procedure fall off into the bladder and bladder neck blocking the urine stream. Speak with your physician for more detailed side effects.
Envisioneering Medical focuses resources and technology to develop equipment to aid physicians in detection, diagnosis and treatment. The TargetScan 3D imaging and targeted biopsy system offers the first real advance in prostate imaging and biopsy in over a decade. It eases any discomfort of probing during examination, as once it is in place, there is no need for repositioning. The system allows a physician to generate a true solid 3D image, manipulate it, and precisely plan and undertake a multi-sample biopsy of a targeted tissue mass in the prostate. Click to learn more about TargetScan 3D or ask your physician today.