Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
BOOKS
Handley, J. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about HPV andAbnormal Pap Smears. New York: Warner Books, 2002.
Platzer, W., et al. Vaginal Operations: Surgical...
Anatomy andTechnique. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams and Wilikins, 1996.
Rushing, L., and N. Joste. Abnormal Pap Smears: What EveryWoman Needs to Know. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2001.
PERIODICALS
Sparks, R. A., D. Scheid, V. Loemker, E. Stader, K. Reilly, R.Hamm, and L. McCarthy. "Association of Cervical Cryotherapy with Inadequate Follow-up Colposcopy."Journal of Family Practice 51 (June 2002): 526–529.
Tate, D. R. and R. J. Anderson. "Recrudescence of CervicalDysplasia among Women Who are Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Case-control Analysis."American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 186 (May 2002): 880–882.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology. 20West Washington St., Suite 1, Hagerstown, MD 21740. (301) 733-3640.
National Association for Women's Health. 300 W. AdamsStreet, Suite 328, Chicago, IL 60606-5101. (312) 786-1468.
OTHER
"Cervical Cancer Prevention."JHPIEG. September 2002 [citedApril 2003].
"Cytopathology."The Internet Pathology Laboratory for Medical Education [cited April 2003].
Mayeaux Jr., E. J., M.D. "Cervical Cryotherapy Atlas."LSUHSC-S Family Medicine Server [cited April 2003].
National Women's Health Information Center [cited April2003].
"What is cervical dysplasia?"AMA Medical Library [citedApril 2003].
Advertisement
Search
Other Information
Definition
Cervical cryotherapy is a procedure which involves freezing an area of abnormal tissue on the cervix. This tissue gradually disappears and the cervix heals. One cervical cryotherapy is usually sufficient to destroy the abnormal tissue.
Purpose
Cervical cryotherapy is a standard method used to treat cervical dysplasia, meaning the removal of abnormal cell tissue on the cervix.
Description
Cervical cryotherapy, or freezing, usually lasts about five minutes and causes a slight amount of discomfort. The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting.
Cervical cryotherapy is done by placing a small freeze-probe (cryoprobe) against the cervix that cools the cervix to sub-zero temperatures. The cells destroyed by freezing are shed afterwards in a heavy watery discharge. The main advantage of cryotherapy is that it is a simple procedure that requires inexpensive equipment.
The cryogenic device consists of a gas tank containing a refrigerant and non-explosive, non-toxic gas (usually nitrous oxide). The gas is delivered using flexible tubing through a gun-type attachment to the cryoprobe.
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.