What Is The Difference Between Standard Cryosurgery And Focal Cryosurgery?

March 16, 2009 -- Question: What is the difference between standard cryosurgery and focal cryosurgery?

Answer: Traditionally, cryosurgery involves complete prostate gland ablation -- or freezing. But more recently, some people across the country are doing what's called focal cryoablation, where they target specific areas of the prostate while preserving other areas that may have had negative biopsies. But that still is experimental and not the standard.