Cryosurgery – An update

Cryosurgery or cryotherapy is defined as selective and controlled application of a cryogen to the tissues. which the surgeon wishes to destroy. Many liquids or gases are used for cryodestruction of tissues such as liquid nitrogen, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide gas. Cryosurgery works on two principles: cryodestruction and cryoadhesion. The principle of cryodestruction is used for the treatment of various neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases, whereas the other is employed for cryoextraction of lens in the cataract surgery. There are three techniques for cryosurgery: spray freezing, contact freezing and swab technique. To perform a cryosurgical procedure successfully, it is important to precisely monitor and evaluate the extent of freezing. Cryosurgery is faster than knife surgery, with little or no haemorrhage; it remains painless and relatively free from post-operative complications.