Cryoablation for prostate cancer: an overview about background,procedure and nurses' responsibilities

Cryoablation was introduced in clinical practice for the treatment of skin lesions more than 100 years ago. Treatment to other areas of the body followed including the liver, lungs, bones, corneas and nerves, with applications extended to use in analgesia. The potential of using cryoablation for treatment of the prostate has been recognized as a therapeutic option for more than half a century. However, early results were unsatisfactory due to poor oncological outcome and the high morbidity of the procedure. Cryotherapy has evolved dramatically during the last decades with an improvement in technique, resulting in a significant reduction of complication rates and improved outcome for patients. Although it is regarded as a minimally invasive therapy, there are several nursing aspects that have to be observed pre‐ intra‐ and postoperatively which are essential to ensure that the patient's recovery is effected and that all benefits of a minimally invasive therapy are achieved.