Cryosurgery

• Illustrations
• Alternative names

• Definition
• Information

Alternative names    Return to top

Definition    Return to top

Cryosurgery is a method of super-freezing tissue in order to destroy it. The technique is used to treat cancerous tumors, control pain, control bleeding, and reduce brain tumors.

Information    Return to top

The cold is introduced through a probe which has liquid nitrogen circulating through it. To destroy diseased tissue, the tissue is cooled to below -20 degrees Celsius. Other procedures that control pain or bleeding are cooled to a lesser degree to prevent tissue damage.