Abstract: Devices and methods for using adjunctive cooling to promote recovery of function following pelvic surgery include a uretral catheter and a cryogenic cautery device. A system for producing chilled irrigation fluid recirculates the chilled fluid through a catheter inserted into the patients urethra to provide a low temperature during and following surgery. A surgical cautery device is equipped with cryogenic emitters which spray cryogenic fluid on the cautery site prior to and/or following thermal cautery to reduce inflammation and related damage from such cauterization. The various embodiments are advantageously used together.

Abstract: Testosterone levels in a patient predicts whether or not the patient is likely to recover sexual potency following radical prostatectomy. Lower levels of testosterone are associated with a lower rate of potency recovery and with more aggressive prostate cancers. Therapeutically increasing circulating testosterone leads to improved rates of return to potency.

Abstract: Hypothermia significantly improves the rate of recovery of function following abdominal surgery—particularly radical prostatectomy. Prior to commencing surgery the tissues at and surrounding the site of the surgery are cooled by means of an endorectal cooling balloon inserted into the patient's rectum. The uninflated balloon is inserted and then inflated with cooling fluid which fluid is constantly circulated in and out to lower the temperature. Improved hypothermia can be achieved by bathing internal tissue with chilled water or buffer. Limitation of surgically induced damage can be demonstrated by the more rapid regain of continence in radical prostatectomy patients treated with hypothermia during surgery.

Abstract: Hypothermia significantly improves the rate of recovery of function following abdominal surgery-particularly radical prostatectomy. Prior to commencing surgery the tissues at and surrounding the site of the surgery are cooled by means of an endorectal cooling balloon inserted into the patient's rectum. The uninflated balloon is inserted and then inflated with cooling fluid which fluid is constantly circulated in and out to lower the temperature. Improved hypothermia can be achieved by bathing internal tissue with chilled water or buffer. Limitation of surgically induced damage can be demonstrated by the more rapid regain of continence in radical prostatectomy patients treated with hypothermia during surgery.