Cryoablation for Prostate Cancer — Arlington & DFW
Freeze the cancer. Protect your quality of life.
Dr. Rich Bevan-Thomas is a board-certified urologic surgeon in Arlington, Texas, with over 20 years of experienceperforming prostate cryoablation (cryotherapy). Recognized as an early adopter and national trainer, I am a leading expert in both focal and whole-gland cryoablation techniques, offering the highest standard of specialized care.
Understanding Cryoablation
What is Prostate Cryoablation?
Cryoablation is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment that uses extreme cold (argon/helium gas) to destroy cancer cells inside the prostate.
- Transperineal Probe Placement: Under real-time ultrasound guidance, I guide thin cryo-needles through the perineal skin (area under the scrotum) into precisely planned positions around the tumor.
- Freeze–Thaw Cycles: We typically perform two cycles—using argon gas to form the controlled ice ball, and helium to thaw—to ensure thorough and irreversible cellular destruction.
- Built-in Safeguards: I contour the ice ball on ultrasound, and we utilize a warming catheter to thermally protect the urethra and prevent surrounding tissue damage.
Who is a Good Candidate?
You may be a strong candidate for prostate cryoablation if, upon my review, we find your case meets the following criteria:
- Have localized prostate cancer (confined to the gland), confirmed by our multi-modal testing (MRI and targeted biopsy).
- I recommend focal cryo for disease limited to one area, or whole-gland cryo as a definitive, non-radiation treatment option.
- Need an effective salvage option after radiation.
If your cancer is complex or high-risk, we’ll discuss alternative options: Catheterless Robotic Prostatectomy, NanoKnife® focal therapy, or coordinated IMRT.
Benefits & Recovery Timeline
Benefits of Prostate Cryoablation
- Minimally Invasive: Needle-based procedure with no large incisions, significantly reducing surgical downtime.
- Highly Versatile: Ideal for focal or whole-gland treatment, and the procedure is repeatable if future recurrence occurs.
- Outpatient & Non-Radiation: Quick recovery, performed on an outpatient basis, with zero risk of secondary radiation exposure.
- Powerful Salvage Option: An effective treatment choice even if you have previously received radiation therapy and have a recurrence.
Recovery:
- Hospital Stay: Same-day outpatient procedure in most cases.
- Drainage Tube (SPT): You will have a small, temporary suprapubic tube (SPT) for drainage, typically for 5–7 days. The painful urethral catheter is rarely needed for post-operative drainage. The SPT is removed quickly and easily in the office during your follow-up visit.
- Return to Routine: Light activity quickly; most patients resume normal routines within 1–2 weeks.
Erections
An Honest Word about Side Effects
With Whole-Gland Cryo, the risk of erectile dysfunction is significant because the ice ball must fully extend past the capsule to ensure cancer destruction, which often affects the nearby nerves.
Focal Cryo dramatically reduces this risk because I meticulously plan the ice ball to avoid the uninvolved nerve bundles. The final outcome depends heavily on your baseline function, age, anatomy, and tumor location.
Why Choose Dr. Bevan-Thomas for Cryoablation in Arlington?
Typical procedure flow:
- Pioneer & National Trainer: Dr. Bevan-Thomas taught cryoablation for Endocare® and has trained surgeons across the U.S., establishing two decades of mastery in this technique.
- High-Volume Expertise: Thousands of ablations over 20+ years, including complex salvage cases after previous radiation treatment.
- Meticulous Technique: Utilizing my high-level skill for transperineal placement, real-time ultrasound contouring, and thermal urethral protection.
- Full-Spectrum Options: If cryoablation isn't the best fit, I offer the full range of solutions—including NanoKnife®, Robotic Prostatectomy, and coordinated IMRT—ensuring the treatment is built around you, not a single tool.
Schedule your prostate cryoablation consult (Arlington & DFW)
Request your Cryoablation consultation — Arlington & Dallas–Fort Worth.
- 866-367-8768
- 801 West I-20 Suite 1 • Arlington TX 76017