As the name suggests, cryoablation employs very low temperatures(cryo) to burn out(ablation) abnormal cells anywhere in the body. It is a minimally invasive procedure that requires significantly less downtime compared to conventional ablation methods like radio-frequency ablation or blade ablations (cut surgeries). The procedure involves using liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, or argon gasses at freezing temperatures. The procedure is specially used in pre-cancer lesions, body tumors, heart arrhythmia, and nonmetastatic cancer cells. It is alternately also called cryosurgery or cryotherapy.
Cryoablation is extensively used for the following:
Cancer and precancerous lesions of the skin
Localized prostate cancer
Cancers of the liver and kidney, bone, breast, cervix, eye, and lungs.
In cases when cancer returns after initial treatments
To remove diseased tissue when the patient's general health does not allow conventional removal of tissue
To restore normal heartbeat after a stroke or heart attack
Benefits of cryoablation
The effect of the procedure can be viewed in real time as the solidified gas forms a radio plaque ball that is easily visible on CT, X-ray, and MRI.
Cooling of tissues has an anesthetic effect on the patient. Therefore, outpatient procedures are carried out under local anesthesia or mild sedation.
Cryoablation probes can all be used independently and simultaneously.
Better acceptance in kidney tumors compared to RF ablation.
Immense cell-mediated response is seen post cryoablation.
Risks of cryoablation
There are minimal risks associated with cryoablation surgery and are mild compared to radiation and significant surgeries. These include
Damage to surrounding healthy cells
Blisters
Infection
Loss of sensation in the surrounding nerve area
Ulcer
Pain
Scarring
Skin discolor
