Cryosurgery is the destruction of abnormal tissue using sub-zero temperatures. The tumor is not removed and the destroyed cancer is left to be reabsorbed by the body. Initial results in properly selected patients with unresectable liver tumors are equivalent to those of resection.
Cryosurgery involves the placement of a stainless steel probe into the center of the tumor.
Liquid nitrogen is circulated through the end of this device. A picture of the cryoprobe is shown. The tumor and a half inch margin of normal liver are frozen to -190 C for 15 minutes, which is lethal to all tissues. After the tumor has thawed, the probe is removed, bleeding is controlled, and the procedure is complete. Proper selection of patients and attention to detail in performing the cryosurgical procedure are mandatory in order to achieve good results and outcomes.