Cryosurgery involves the freezing of tissue and tumours and has been used in various forms in urology over the last 15 years. Third generation machines have recently become available which significantly improve the accuracy and overall treatment results compared to older generation devices. As of December 2004 we are able to offer cryotherapy for selected patients who have both prostate cancer and renal (kidney) cancer. The patients who are ideal for this sort of treatment are generally patients who have had radiation treatment to the prostate which has failed to control the tumour and in whom no other signs of cancer in the body have been found. The ideal kidney tumours are small tumours which have typically been found on investigations for other problems but will ultimately grow to a significant size and become life threatening. There is also a place which is being investigated for the use of this technology for the initial treatment of prostate cancer rather than undergoing surgery or radiation.

The new third generation machine and technique which we have acquired involves the use of fine probes through which pressurised gas can freeze and thaw the tissue. Argon gas is used for the freezing and Helium gas is used for the thawing. This is generally done twice to the entire prostate or kidney tumour. For the prostate treatments some fine cryo needles are placed very precisely through the skin in the perineum using ultrasound control. Once these have been accurately placed under general anaesthetic the ice balls are created. There are thermo-sensors inside and outside the prostate which confirm that the tissue has been frozen and that the surrounding tissue has not been excessively treated. A warming catheter is placed in the urethra to prevent damage in this area. Two freeze-thaw cycles are typically used which results in complete eradication of the tumour in properly selected cases. Generally patients are able to go home the following day which is a significant improvement on earlier devices.