Thomas J. Polascik, MD, FACS, presented “Prostate Cryoablation: Tips and Tricks” for the Grand Rounds in Urology audience in February, 2020.
How to cite: Polascik, Thomas J. “Prostate Cryoablation: Tips and Tricks” February, 2020. Accessed Nov 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/prostate-cryoablation-tips-and-tricks/
Prostate Cryoablation: Tips and Tricks – Summary:
Thomas J. Polascik, MD, FACS, a professor of urology at the Duke Cancer Institute, gives an overview of tips and tricks for successful cryoablation of the prostate while avoiding preventable complications from the procedure. He discusses common areas of complication and injury during cryoablation, including sphincteric incontinence, rectal fistula, and urethral slough, as well as the possibility of incomplete ablation resulting in PSA recurrence. Dr. Polascik then outlines common reasons for injury or incomplete cover to the prostate, urethra, rectum, and sphincter, as well as techniques to ensure a successful cryoablation surgery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thomas J. Polascik, MD, FACS, is the Lawrence C. Katz Distinguished Professor at Duke University Medical Center, where he is Professor of Urology and Radiology, as well as a Member of the Duke Cancer Institute. Dr. Polascik specializes in urology care, including nonsurgical focal cryotherapy for prostate cancer, robotic surgery for prostate cancer, and robotic surgical removal of kidney tumors. Dr. Polasick’s research focuses on prostate cancer imaging, focal therapy of prostate cancer, prostate cancer outcomes, kidney cancer outcomes, minimally invasive surgery, and nerve-sparing cryotherapy for prostate cancer.
