Cryosurgery of the prostate has recently undergone a resurgence owing to precise guidance of the freezing process by transrectal ultrasound. Clinical studies have demonstrated a high local ablation rate and few serious complications. Animal experiments have demonstrated the potential for complete glandular ablation. Longer term studies are needed, particularly randomized trials comparing various treatment options. Future laboratory studies are encouraged as a means to standardize various procedural variations that are in clinical practice.