What Happens During Cryoablation

Cryoablation – or more simply “cryo” – is part of the new direction in medicine that doesn’t use major surgery to destroy cancer.

Instead, state-of-the-art technology assists the doctor who uses ultrasound to “see” inside the body as slender probes are inserted into position and as the iceball forms that kills the cancer.

Preparation for cryo is the same as for any other procedure requiring anesthesia. This means you will be instructed to have no food or drink for a certain time.

Right before the procedure you will have an IV inserted into a vein to supply your body with fluids and any necessary medications such as a relaxant or antibiotics.

You will be under anesthesia, either general (you are asleep) or spinal/epidural (you are mildly sedated and numb from the waist down). You will not feel anything during your cryo. It is performed in a sterile environment so there is minimal risk of infection.

Afterward you will wake up in a room where your vital signs are being watched. If your cryo is done on an outpatient basis, you will be allowed to leave when you are stable and comfortable and you have someone to drive you home.

If it is being done inpatient, you will spend the night being monitored in the hospital and will most likely be allowed to leave the next day.

Your doctor will determine whether you are admitted to the hospital and your doctor will determine when you are ready to go home.

Most patients go home with a catheter or tube to help urine drain from the bladder. There are two types of catheter – which one you will have will depend upon your doctor.