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
FAQs
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What post-operative instructions must I follow after a cryoablation procedure?
For major cryoablation surgeries, the patient cannot lift anything for 72 hours and is restricted from other physical activities (swimming, hot tubs, running, jogging, gym) for at least 15 to 20 days.
Does cryoablation cure cancer?
Cryoablation is one of the several treatment approaches for noncancerous lesions or non-metastasizing cancer cells. It is an effective outpatient therapy for cancer.
Do damaged nerves grow back after the cryoablation procedure?
Typically, in most cases, the nerves grow back within 3 to 6 months.
Which doctors perform cryoablation procedures?
Cryoablation procedures are performed by specially trained interventional radiologists and an expert panel of doctors experienced in the field of the body part being treated.
What are some of the main benefits of doing cryoablation surgery?
- Cryoablation surgery is minimally invasive and has a lower recuperation period.
- It spares a lot of the healthy tissue surrounding diseased cells.
- It is a very effective procedure for vital organs.
- It can be repeated several times.
Is cryoablation painful?
Almost all cryoablation procedures use numbing agents and anesthesia to help with the treatment. The patient will feel no pain during the procedure.
How long does a cryoablation procedure last?
The duration of a cryosurgery depends on the part of the body being treated. Typically, it requires 1 to 4 hours for a cryoablation procedure.
What happens to diseased cells after a cryoablation procedure?
Cryoablation freezes the cells, which later die and are gradually absorbed by the body.
What is the general temperature at which cryotherapy is done?
Most cryoablation procedures are also formed at temperatures ranging from -35°C to -75°C. Liquid nitrogen procedures were optimal at -174°C -185°C.
What are some of the main benefits of doing cryoablation surgery?
Cryoablation surgery is minimally invasive and has a lower recuperation period.
It spares a lot of the healthy tissue surrounding diseased cells.
It is a very effective procedure for vital organs.
It can be repeated several times.
Do damaged nerves grow back after the cryoablation procedure?
Typically, in most cases, the nerves grow back within 3 to 6 months.
Which doctors perform cryoablation procedures?
Cryoablation procedures are performed by specially trained interventional radiologists and an expert panel of doctors experienced in the field of the body part being treated.
What is the approximate success rate for cryoablation procedures in kidney cancer?
Cryoablation success rates in kidney treatment are an impressive 100% for 5 years and 96% for recurrence.
