Cryoablation for Tumors: Before Your Procedure

Cryoablation for tumors is a procedure that targets and destroys tumors using a very cold gas, such as liquid nitrogen. It quickly freezes and thaws the tissue. This procedure is also called cryotherapy or cryosurgery.

You may be given local or regional anesthesia for the procedure. Or you may be given general anesthesia that puts you to sleep.

Your doctor uses a special needle called a probe. The doctor puts it through the skin and into the tumor. The probe sends cold into the tumor. You may feel some pain or discomfort when the doctor uses the probe. If the tumor is large, the doctor may repeat the process from a different angle. This is to make sure that all parts of the tumor are destroyed. The doctor may use ultrasound, a CT scan, or other imaging to guide the treatment.

After the procedure, the doctor will remove the probe. The doctor or nurse will put a bandage over your skin where the probe was placed. This area may be sore for a day or two.

You may be able to go home the same day. Or you might need to stay in the hospital overnight or longer.

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.
• Follow your doctor's instructions about when to bathe or shower before your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.
• Ask your doctor if it is okay to take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), 30 to 60 minutes before you have the procedure.

• Bring a picture ID.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.
• How long the procedure takes will depend on the type of tumor you have.