Bladder Cryoablation in a Porcine Model: Evaluation of Three Surgical Approaches and Cryolesion Predictability

Abstract Purpose: To determine the feasibility of bladder cryoablation (BC) applied laparoscopically, percutaneously, and transurethrally in a porcine survival study. The expected and observed area of cell death after BC was also examined. Materials and Methods: Nine pigs were divided equally into the three treatment groups. Cryoablation was performed with two freeze-thaw cycles after the bladder had been insufflated with CO2. Each animal was observed for 7 days after the procedure for treatment-related complications. After cystectomy, each specimen was examined pathologically to determine the degree and dimension of cell death achieved. Results: BC applied via the laparoscopic and percutaneous approach is feasible and safe. No BC-related complications occurred in these two groups. A complication resulting from BC developed in all three animals that were treated cystoscopically, including two intraperitoneal bladder perforations at the time of BC necessitating immediate sacrifice, and one enterovesical fi...