cervical dysplasia treatmen

cervical dysplasia treatmen

WHAT IS IT? Cryosurgergery is literally freezing the abnormal tissues to dealth. Cryosurgery (also called cryotherapy) uses the extreme cold of liquid nitrogen. Externally, it is used by applying the liquid nitrogen directly to areas of the skin where the abnormal vells are. When cryosurgery is used internally, a holow metal tube with a tip, called a cyroprobe, is used to circulate the nitrogen through. The cryoprobe is used to touch and freeze the tissues to temperatures as low as -295° F.
HOW IS IT DONE? A speculum, similar or the same type used to do your regular papsmears, is inserted into the vagina and positioned so that the cervix is clearly visible and the walls of the vagina are seperated. The machine which circulates the liquid nitrogen through the probe will be turned on and the physician will wait until the end of the probe forms a thin layer of ice crystals on it. The probe is then placed against the cervix and kept in place for a specific period of time to freeze the cervix. You may experience some cramping during the freezing. The probe is then removed and the cervix allowed to thaw for a short period. Once again the probe is placed against the cervix and freezes the tissues.
ADVANTAGES? Comparatively inexpensive. Can be done in the office or out patient clinic. You can leave as soon as the procedure is completed.
DISADVANTAGES? The depth of freezing and destruction of cells cannot be controlled. Healing is accompanied by a watery discharge which may last up to 4 - 8 weeks. Should not be used on large areas of abnormal cells. After healing the squamo-columnar junction (Tranformation Zone) is usually not easily seen and is inside the cervical canal, making follow-up difficult. High rate of recurrence.