Transrectal ultrasound-guided transperineal cryosnrgical ablation for localized prostate cancer / 中华泌尿外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the safety and short-term efficacy of transrectal ultrasound-guided transperineal cryosurgical ablation(TRUSCSA) for localized prostate cancer. Methods The data of 26 patients who were diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer (T_(1a)N_0M_0 - T_(2x)N_0M_0) by biopsy were reviewed. The data of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, clinical stage and Gleason score were collected. The Gleason score of all cases was ≤7; among them 6 cases were 2 - 4 and 20 cases were 5 - 7. The average pretreatment value of PSA was 11. 9 ng/ml (4. 7 - 19. 2 ng/ml). All the patients were treated with TRUSCSA, with a dual freeze-thaw cycle by using ultrathin 17-gauge cryoneedles. Immediate and delayed morbidities were evaluated. The PSA level was obtained every 3 months for the first 2 years and then every 6 months thereafter, and failure was defined as the inability to reach a nadir of 0. 5 ng/ml or less. All patients were strongly encouraged to undergo routine biopsies despite a stable PSA level. Results The operative time was (102±32)min. The postoperative hospital stay was (6±2)d. After withdrawal of the catheter, 22 cases had good continence) 4 had temporary incontinence for 3 - 7 d. Before operation 9 cases had normal sex life, and among them 5 cases had erectile dysfunction after operation. No one developed urinary retention or urethro-rectal fistula. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 30 months (mean 22). The PSA level at the last follow up visit was less than 0. 5 ng/ml in 23 patients (88%) and 0. 5 ng/ml or more in 3(12%). Postoperative biopsies were taken in 20 cases and the results were negative at the 6th month. Conclusions Transrectal ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryosurgical ablation for clinically localized prostate cancer could be effective and safe. Additional studies with longer follow-up are necessary to determine the sustained efficacy of this procedure.