What is Cryoablation?

Cryoablation is a method of treating certain types of bone and soft tissue tumours. It works by cooling tumour cells down to very low temperatures and then heating them up which causes the tumour cells to die. It involves placing special needles through the skin into the tumour. Depending on how big the tumour is will depend on how many needles are used. The tips of the needles are then cooled then heated over several cycles which cause death of the entire tumour. When treating bone lesions, we may inject some cement in the bone to prevent a fracture. The procedure is performed using general anaesthetic or sedation.

What are the alternatives to Cryoablation?

This depends on the type of tumour we are treating. For fibromatosis, for example, surgery and chemotherapy are the alternatives, they have been shown in studies not to be as successful as cryotherapy and have higher associated risks and would involve multiple hospital visits. Cryoablation is much less invasive than surgery and recovery time is much quicker.

What are the risks cryoablation?

• There is a small risk of infection.
• There is a small risk of bleeding.
• There is a small risk of nerve injury both temporary and permanent.
• There may be a small risk of fracture if a bone lesion is treated. We may elect to inject some cement in the bone at the time of the cryoablation to prevent this.
• There is a risk that the tumour is not completely treated - especially if it is closely related to major nerves, blood vessels or the skin surface.
• There is a risk of a skin burn (similar to frost bite).

Who will perform the Cryoablation?

The cryotherapy will be performed by a Consultant Radiologist who has been specifically trained in the technique.

Preparing for Cryoablation

Remember to tell the doctor or nurse if you are on any blood thinning medication (warfarin or apixaban) or if you are diabetic (insulin, tablet or diet controlled). Please let us know if you are on antibiotics for an active infection. We need to wait 14 days after your antibiotics have stopped or your symptoms have resolved before we can proceed with the procedure.  

When can I go home?

You will need to stay in hospital overnight following the procedure for routine monitoring of post procedural pain and the ablation site. We would expect most patients to be discharged the morning after the procedure.

How will I feel after the Cryoablation?

It is common for patients to feel discomfort that can last up to 2 weeks following the procedure. We will be able to supply you with painkillers to take home. If you require a further supply, they can be obtained from your local general practitioner.

Care of the procedure site

• There will be a small wound or a number of wounds depending on the size of the area treated. These will be closed using Steristrips (adhesive paper stich) and covered with a small dressing.
• The dressing should be left in place for 96 hours (4 days). They can be gently peeled off after then.
• After they have been peeled off, please check the wound is clean, dry and healed.
• We may on occasion use a surgical suture to close the wound. In this case they will need to be removed your GP practice in 5 days. We will let you know at the time if this is the case.
• If you experience any bleeding apply pressure to the wound and add a dressing and contact using the contact details provided. 

What happens next?

You will be seen at 6 weeks after the procedure for a follow up in our outpatient department in order to review your initial progress. You will then be reviewed at 6 and 12 months with a repeat MRI scan to see if the tumour is shrinking. If you have any concerns or questions prior to the clinic, please speak to the appropriate secretary/keyworker. 

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