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Cervix treatment - cryosurgery - Overview

Alternative Names

Cervix surgery; Cryosurgery - female

Definition of Cervix treatment - cryosurgery:

Cervix cryosurgery is a surgical treatment to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue in the cervix.

Description:

Cryotherapy is an office procedure done while you are awake. The vaginal canal is held open so that the doctor can see the cervix. The doctor inserts a device called a cryoprobe into the vagina, and places it firmly on the surface of the cervix, covering the abnormal tissue.

Freezing cold compressed nitrogen gas flows through the instrument, making the metal cold enough to freeze and destroy the tissue.

An "ice ball" forms on the cervix, killing the abnormal cells. For the treatment to be most effective, the freezing is done for 3 minutes, the cervix is allowed to thaw, then the freezing is repeated for another 3 minutes.

Although you may have slight cramping, cryosurgery is relatively painless.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

Uses of cryosurgery include:

Your doctor will help you to decide if cryosurgery is right for your condition.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/19/2008
  • Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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