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KEY POINTS
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Cryosurgery is a procedure for destroying abnormal body tissues with very cold temperatures.
Cryosurgery is used to treat:
Cryosurgery is not done on the cervix if you are having your menstrual period or if you are pregnant. It also may not be used to treat large abnormal areas.
Usually you do not have to do anything to prepare for the procedure. It is a simple procedure and can be done in your healthcare provider's office.
Ask your healthcare provider if you will need to find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure.
Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.
A very cold gas or liquid nitrogen is used to treat the skin areas. Your healthcare provider will use a cotton-tipped swab or a hollow needle called a probe to apply the cold treatment. If a probe is used, the gas or liquid nitrogen is pumped through the needle, which makes the tip very cold.
Your healthcare provider will touch the tip of the swab or probe to your skin or cervix. Some treatments take only a few seconds. Others work best if the tissue is frozen quickly, allowed to thaw for a few minutes, and then frozen again.
Depending on the area being treated, you may feel a burning or cramping sensation while the area freezes and then thaws. Although the procedure may cause some discomfort, an anesthetic (medicine to keep you from feeling pain) is rarely needed.
You may stay in your healthcare provider's office for at least 20 to 30 minutes after the procedure, depending on the area that was frozen.
After treatment for problems such as warts, a small blister may form. The blister will later scab or crust over as it heals.
After cryosurgery on your cervix, you may have mild cramping in your lower belly and a watery or slightly bloody discharge from the vagina. The discharge may last up to 4 weeks.
Ask your healthcare provider:
Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.
Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:
Ask your healthcare provider how the risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.