Abstract
-
Background:
- To present a pilot study of nerve-sparing cryoablation for the treatment of primary prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, 9 patients underwent nerve-sparing cryoablation (unilateral 5, bilateral 4 patients). One neurovascular bundle (NVB) was spared on the side opposite the positive biopsy, and two NVBs were spared when indicated and possible. Just before the start of freezing, a 22-gauge spinal needle was placed into Denonvilliers fascia using a transperineal route, and normal saline was injected to separate the rectum from the prostate. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was sampled every 3 months for the first 2 years and then every 6 months thereafter. Patients were considered to have a stable PSA if they had two consecutive PSA measurements without a rise.
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Results:
- The follow-up was 4ᄋ-months (19-66 months). All patients had stable PSA levels at last follow-up. Potency (defined as an erection sufficient to complete intercourse to the satisfaction of the patient) was maintained in 4 of 9 patients, 5 were potent with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors or intracavernosal injection. Conclusions: Nerve-sparing cryoablation, in which one or two neurovascular bundle is spared, showed the possibility of preserving potency in most patients without compromising cancer control. These preliminary results warrant further study.
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Keywords: Cancer; Cryoablation; Potency; Prostate
Fig. 1.A schematic of the cryoprobe and warming probe placement for A,
Table 1.Patient characteristics
Age (yr) |
Gleason Score |
Preop.PSA (ng/mL) |
Positive Cores(n) |
Stage |
Preop.TURP/ HOLEP |
Area frozen |
Follow-up (mo) |
Postop.PSA (ng/mL) |
PSA stable |
Change/Potency |
68 |
7 |
16.06 |
1 |
T1c |
No |
Unilateral |
71 |
0.07 |
Yes |
Potent with PDE5I |
61 |
6 |
9.78 |
1 |
T1c |
No |
Unilateral |
68 |
1.0 |
Yes |
Potent |
58 |
4 |
10.44 |
4 |
T2a |
No |
Bilateral |
68 |
0.84 |
Yes |
Potent |
58 |
7 |
5.7 |
2 |
T2a |
No |
Unilateral |
36 |
0.2 |
Yes |
Potent with ICI |
52 |
5 |
3.70 |
1 |
T1c |
No |
Unilateral |
39 |
0.17 |
Yes |
Potent with ICI |
58 |
7 |
3.2 |
1 |
T1c |
Yes |
Bilateral |
21 |
0.04 |
Yes |
Potent with ICI |
65 |
7 |
3.00 |
1 |
T1c |
Yes |
Bilateral |
21 |
0.09 |
Yes |
Potent with ICI |
58 |
6 |
4.56 |
4 |
T1c |
No |
Unilateral |
20 |
0.013 |
Yes |
Potent |
46 |
6 |
9.33 |
2 |
T2a |
No |
Bilateral |
19 |
0.4 |
Yes |
Potent |
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