Cryosurgery is a treatment in which the cervix (the mouth of the uterus) is touched by an instrument that rapidly freezes the tissue. It is used to eliminate abnormal cells of the cervix.
Cryosurgery may be the best choice of treatment when the cervical abnormalities are mild or when abnormalities are on only a small area of the cervix.
How is cryosurgery performed?
Cryosurgery is usually performed after colposcopy and biopsies of the cervix. By studying the cervix and biopsy results, your doctor will determine if cryosurgery is appropriate.
Cryosurgery is done with the patient in the same position used for taking a Pap smear. An instrument will be applied to the cervix and will be used to “freeze” the tissue. The freezing process will be repeated at least one more time. The procedure takes several minutes.
What do I need to do to prepare for cryosurgery?
There is no special preparation needed before cryosurgery. It should not be done when a patient is on her period.
Is cryosurgery painful?
During the freezing of the tissue, you will feel a sensation of cold.
Most women describe pelvic pressure or menstrual-like cramps.
These symptoms should go away once procedure is done.
What can I expect after cryosurgery?
All women will have a watery discharge, which may last for several weeks. This discharge may be heavy or may be blood-tinged in some women.
You should not have intercourse or use tampons for at least 14 days.
What are the risks of cryosurgery?
Most women do not have any serious side effects after cryosurgery. However, even though they are rare, serious complications can occur. These complications can include flare-ups of pelvic infection, perforation of pelvic organs, freeze burns of the vaginal wall, excessive bleeding, or recurrence of the abnormal cells which may progress to cancer.
If you have any increase in pain or develop a fever, please notify the office.
It will be important for you to follow up with Pap smears as directed by your doctor to make sure abnormal cells have been fully treated.
