[Cryosurgical ablation for aged patients with severe benign prostate hyperplasia: a report of 21 cases].

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

Methods: Twenty-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).

Results: Degeneration 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).

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