Prostate cryoablation without an insertion kit using direct transperineal placement of ultrathin freezing probes.

A modified technique for prostate cryoablation is described. Prostate cryoablation was performed with a gas-based cryomachine using multiple 17-gauge probes. The 17-gauge probes were inserted via a transperineal route directly into the prostate without using an insertion kit. Probe insertion and positioning are simplified, and operative time is reduced. The perineum is less crowded with devices and tubes. Miniaturizing the cryoprobes and their tubing is feasible. The smaller diameter enables direct insertion without an insertion kit. The surgical result does not seem to be inferior to that of conventional ablation, and penetrating trauma to the prostate is minimal. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of transperineal prostate cryoablation performed without an insertion kit.