Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
In dermatology applications, there are three main techniques used in cryotherapy. In the simplest technique, usually reserved for warts and other benign skin growths, the physician dips a cotton swab or other applicator into a cup containing a "cryogen"...
such as liquid nitrogen and applies it directly to the skin growth to freeze it. At a temperature of –320°F (–196°C), liquid nitrogen is the coldest cryogen available. The goal is to freeze the skin growth as quickly as possible, and then let it thaw slowly to cause maximum destruction of the skin cells. A second application may be necessary depending on the size of the growth. In another approach, a device is used to direct a small spray of liquid nitrogen or other cryogen directly onto the skin growth. Freezing may last from five to 20 seconds, depending on the size of the lesion. A second freeze-thaw cycle may be required. Sometimes, the physician inserts a small needle connected to a thermometer into the lesion to make certain the lesion is cooled to a temperature low enough to guarantee maximum destruction. In a third option, liquid nitrogen or another cryogen is circulated through a probe to cool it to low temperatures. The probe is then brought into direct contact with the skin lesion to freeze it. The freeze time can take two to three times longer than with the spray technique.
When used for cancer treatment, cryotherapy is usually performed as follows: for external tumors, liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the cancer cells with a cotton swab or spraying device; for internal tumors, liquid nitrogen is circulated through an instrument called a cryoprobe that is placed in contact with the tumor. To guide the cryoprobe and to monitor the freezing of the cells, the treating physician uses ultrasound to guide his work and spare nearby healthy tissue.
Advertisement
Search
Other Information
Cryotherapy (Cryogenic chamber therapy) is a treatment whereby the patient is placed in a cryogenic chamber for a short duration, i.e. no more than three minutes, which is comparable to ice swimming, and if used properly, will not destroy tissue. The term "cryotherapy" comes from the Greek cryo (κρυο) meaning cold and the word therapy (θεραπεια) meaning cure.
Whole Body Cryotherapy initially originated in Japan in 1978. However, it was a group of Polish scientists who took the idea and made Whole Body Cryotherapy the physical therapy it is today. The Olympic rehabilitation centre in Spala, Poland opened in May 2000 and has been used as a training and injury rehabilitation centre for many sporting bodies.
The chamber is cooled, typically with liquid nitrogen, to a temperature of –110 C. The patient is protected from acute frostbite with socks, gloves and mouth and ear protection, but in addition to that, wears nothing but a bathing suit. The patients spends a few minutes in the chamber. During treatment the average skin temperature drops 12 C, while the coldest skin temperature can be 5 C. The core body temperature remains unchanged during the treatment, while after it, it may drop slightly. Curiously enough, some patients compare the feeling to sauna at +110 C. Release of endorphines occurs, resulting in analgesia (immediate pain relief).
Patients report the experience is invigorating and improves a variety of conditions. These include symptoms of psychological stress, insomnia, rheumatism, muscle and joint pain, fibromyalgia, itching, and psoriasis. The immediate effect of skin cooling and analgesia lasts for 5 minutes, but the release of endorphines can have a lasting effect, where the pains and signs of inflammation as found in blood tests remain suppressed for weeks. The effects of extreme cold and endorphine release are scientifically studied.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryotherapy_(chamber_therapy)
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.