Cryotherapy of Prostate

Anesthesia Implications

Position: Supine, Lithotomy, arms at side on armboards
Time: 2-4 hours (long)
Blood Loss: Low (10-50 ml)
Post-op Pain: Minimal (1-3)
Maintenance Paralytic: Yes

Anesthetic Approaches

  • GETT

Long procedure (general considerations): Procedures anticipated to last longer than 2 hours generally require a urinary catheter. Also consider checking lines and positioning regularly as the risks of infiltration and nerve damage are increased with procedure time. Consider an IV fluid warmer and a forced air warmer to keep the patient euthermic.