Tumor Cryoablation

Context and indications

Percutaneous cryoablation is offered for small to medium solid tumors in various organs: kidney, lung, bone, soft tissue and breast. It is indicated when surgery is not the best option or as a complement, and in frail patients.

Benefits

Minimally invasive treatment with real-time visualization of the freezing zone ("ice ball"), maximal preservation of surrounding healthy tissue, generally less post-operative pain than heat-based techniques, ability to treat tumors near sensitive structures.

Procedure

Under general anesthesia or sedation, one or more cryoablation needles are inserted through the skin to the tumor, guided by CT, ultrasound or MRI. Two freeze-thaw cycles create an ice ball that destroys tumor cells. The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours.

Risks

Bleeding, pneumothorax (for lung tumors), adjacent organ injury, infection, numbness or local pain. Risks vary depending on the location of the treated tumor.

Follow-up

Hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights depending on location. Follow-up CT or MRI at 1-3 months then regular monitoring to verify complete tumor destruction.

Practical information

This procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia. Hospital stay duration depends on the organ treated.