OBJECTIVETo study the clinical effect of cryosurgical ablation for aged patients with severe benign prostate hyperplasia.

METHODSTwenty-one 72-91-year-old patients with severe benign prostate hyperplasia accompanied with cardiopulmonary dysfunction were treated by the ENDOCARE cryo-care surgery system with cryo-probes guided by type B ultrasound. Observations were made of the post-operation prostate biopsy and ultrasonogram as well as the changes of the urinary flow rate (UFR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

RESULTSDegeneration and necrosis of the prostate tissues were found after the operation, with the signs of being completely melted. The mean UFRs before and after the operation were (3.8 +/- 2.1) ml/s and (17.0 +/- 5.8) ml/s, respectively (P < 0.01). Compared with the pre-operation level of PSA ([3.7 +/- 2.1] microg/L), the 1-week post-operation level was significantly higher ([22.6 +/- 13.1] microg/L) (P < 0.01), while the 4-week post-operation level significantly lower ([1.7 +/- 1.4] microg/L) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCryosurgical ablation, with satisfactory short-term curative effect, is a desirable option for the treatment of aged patients with severe benign prostate hyperplasia.