cryosurgery

cryosurgery /cryo·sur·gery/ (kri″o-ser´jer-e) the destruction of tissue by application of extreme cold.

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cry·o·sur·ger·y (kr-sûrj-r)

n.

The selective exposure of tissues to extreme cold, often by applying a probe containing liquid nitrogen, to bring about the destruction or elimination of abnormal cells.

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Cryosurgery

In prostatectomy, the use of a very low-temperature probe to freeze and thereby destroy prostatic tissue.

Mentioned in: Keloids, Prostatectomy

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cryosurgery

[-sur′jərē]

Etymology: Gk, kryos + cheirourgos

use of subfreezing temperature to destroy tissue. Cryosurgery is performed in the destruction of the ganglion of nerve cells in the thalamus in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, in the destruction of the pituitary gland to halt the progress of some kinds of metastatic cancer, and in the treatment of various cancers and lesions of the skin. The process is also used in ophthalmology to cause the edges of a detached retina to heal and to remove cataracts. The coolant is circulated through a metal probe, chilling it to as low as -160° C (-256° F), depending on the chemical used. The moist tissues adhere to the cold metal of the probe and freeze. Cells are dehydrated as their membranes burst; eventually they are discarded or absorbed by the body. No specific postoperative nursing care is required.

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cryosurgery (krīˈ·ō·serˑ·j·rē),

n surgical operation in which a metal probe (chilled to at least −160°C) is therapeutically applied to destroyed tissue.

Cryosurgery.

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cryosurgery (krī´ōsur´jrē),

n the use of subfreezing temperature to destroy tissue. Cryosurgery is used to cause the edges of a detached retina to heal, to remove cataracts, and in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

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cryosurgery

the destruction of tissue by application of extreme cold. Used in the treatment of certain malignant lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, anorectal lesions and in the removal of cataracts.

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cryosurgery

Ambulatory surgery A technique that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy malignancy–eg, CA of uterine cervix, prostate CA. Cf Cone biopsy, Radical prostatectomy Cardiology A technique used to modify AV node conduction in Pts with treatment-refractory AV node reentrant tachycardia See Cryotherapy.