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:
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Cancer and precancerous lesions of the skin
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Localized prostate cancer
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Cancers of the liver and kidney, bone, breast, cervix, eye, and lungs.
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In cases when cancer returns after initial treatments
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To remove diseased tissue when the patient's general health does not allow conventional removal of tissue
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To restore normal heartbeat after a stroke or heart attack
Benefits of cryoablation
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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.
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Cooling of tissues has an anesthetic effect on the patient. Therefore, outpatient procedures are carried out under local anesthesia or mild sedation.
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Cryoablation probes can all be used independently and simultaneously.
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Better acceptance in kidney tumors compared to RF ablation.
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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
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Damage to surrounding healthy cells
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Blisters
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Infection
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Loss of sensation in the surrounding nerve area
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Ulcer
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Pain
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Scarring
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Skin discolor
