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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffSide effects of cryotherapy for prostate cancer may include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain and swelling of the scrotum and penis
- Frequent urination
- Difficult or painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence)
- Bleeding or infection in area of procedure
Rarely, cryotherapy may significantly damage tissue and organs near the prostate gland, such as the rectum or bladder.
References
- Shelley M, et al. Cryotherapy for localized prostate cancer (Review). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005010.pub2/abstract. Accessed March 4, 2013.
- Bozzini G, et al. Focal therapy of prostate cancer: Energies and procedures. Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations. 2012. In press. Accessed March 5, 2013.
- Pisters LL, et al. Cryotherapy and other ablative techniques for the initial treatment of prostate cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 5, 2013.
- Prostate cancer. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/index. Accessed March 4, 2013.
- Cryoablation for prostate cancer. Urology Care Foundation. http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=108. Accessed March 4, 2013.
- Moynihan TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 9, 2013.
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