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What Is Cryo Surgery?

Cryosurgery is a procedure that is used to destroy abnormal cells on the cervix. These are atypical cells that may lead to cervical cancer if not removed by a medical professional. If the cervical cells are showing malformations, a doctor may recommend a colposcopy, which is a biopsy of small sections of the cervix. After the colposcopy, it may be recommended that a woman have cryosurgery based on the severity of the abnormalities.

  1. How Does It Work?

    • Cryosurgery takes place when a special instrument is inserted into the vagina and placed firmly against the cervix. This instrument covers the area of the cervix that has the abnormal cells. Liquid nitrogen flows through the medical instrument, causing it reach around -50 degrees Celsius. This cold temperature destroys the abnormal cells and then allows them to slough off the cervix over a two to three week time period. To complete the cryosurgery, the cervix is frozen for three minutes and allowed to thaw before the process is repeated for an additional three minutes.

    How Does It Feel?

    • Because the freezing takes place directly on the cervix, some cramping may occur during the initial freezing process. Once the cervix adjusts to the colder temperature the pain subsides as the procedure is completed. Minutes after the procedure, the cramping may become very intense as you begin to get dressed and move around more. This cramping can be more intense than regular menstrual cramping, but generally ends within the same day.

    Recovery

    • After the cryosurgery it is recommended that the body remains relaxed for the remainder of the day. Women can typically go back to their regular activity level the following day. While the body is recovering, you may notice more discharge and nothing should be inserted into the vagina for two to three weeks following the procedure. This includes refraining from sexual intercourse and tampon use as well as douching.

    Effectiveness

    • Cryosurgery is a fairly effective way to remove and deaden the cervical tissues experiencing the effects of dysplasia when the abnormalities are in the lower part of the cervix. 85% of dysplasia cases in which cryosurgery is used to remove the cells are successful.

    Risks

    • The risks associated with cryosurgery are very minimal; however, you should be aware of several things after having the procedure done. Fever, pain, yellowish discharge, foul odor and bleeding that is not associated with a menstrual period are signs of concern. If you are experiencing any of these signs or feel you have other reason for concern, you should contact your doctor immediately.

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