Cryodestruction
Cryodestruction is a modern technique for the treatment of superficial benign neoplasms, based on cooling tissues to extremely low temperatures and their subsequent destruction. In fact, cryodestruction belongs to the field of cryosurgery and is considered a surgical method of treatment.
Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen is widely used in cosmetology, dermatology and medicine. So, for example, cryodestruction of warts, genital warts, papillomas and other neoplasms is popular. The procedure is widely used to treat vascular formations and cervical erosion. In many cases, it can successfully replace surgery.
Indications for cryodestruction
Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen is indicated for various pathologies that are of an infectious nature or refer to skin defects. The most common is cryodestruction of warts. This method is widely used to remove various neoplasms of a pigmentary or vascular type: nevi, hemangiomas, papillomas, condylomas, pigmented granulomas, hyperkeratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, epidermal cyst, melanoma, mastocytoma.
Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen is widely used in gynecology for cervical erosion, condylomas and papillomas of the vagina and vulva, ectopia of the columnar epithelium, cervical dysplasia, cervical leukoplakia and other gynecological diseases.
The principle of operation of cryodestruction
The procedure is performed using special equipment (cryodestructor) or liquid nitrogen. When using the hardware method, the applicator tip is pressed against the required area, after which it is cooled to a temperature of -180-190 degrees Celsius. When using liquid nitrogen, a cotton swab is impregnated with it, after which it is simply applied to the damaged tissue for a short period of time (no more than 2-3 minutes).
The procedure involves instant cooling of tissues due to exposure to ultra-low temperature. As a result, the intracellular and intercellular fluid freezes, the vital activity of cells is disrupted, the protoplasm stops and microcirculation in the pathological tissue is disturbed. Destruction of tissue occurs. After cryodestruction, the destroyed tissues are gradually replaced by healthy ones.
Stages of cryodestruction
For different purposes, different tips are used, which are selected depending on the size of the surface. In this case, the contact planes must be parallel.
The cryodestruction process is divided into the following stages:
- Freezing the tissue with liquid nitrogen. At the same time, the fabric becomes dense, cold, white and insensitive. This is often accompanied by a tingling sensation, slight burning sensation and mild pain.
- After cryodestruction, collateral edema and hyperemia occur, lasting from 1 to 3 hours.
- The appearance of epidermal blisters, which disappear after 6-24 hours.
- The necrosis is completely rejected within 2-6 weeks. After cryodestruction, an inconspicuous spot remains, the process of epithelialization of the defect and the surrounding tissue begins.
- Complete tissue regeneration occurs in about six months.
Benefits of cryodestruction
Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen has a number of undoubted advantages:
- the area of necrosis does not bleed;
- leaves no scars or scars;
- ease of procedure;
- cryosurgical intervention does not require anesthesia, since rapid cooling produces an analgesic effect;
- minimal injuries;
- speed of the method;
- stable desired effect;
- cryodestruction is easily and painlessly tolerated;
- does not require long-term preoperative preparation;
- during and after the procedure, metastasis stops;
- no relapse;
- does not require postoperative care and suturing.
Disadvantages of cryodestruction
- long-term healing (up to 21 days);
- it is not always possible to apply this particular method of treatment (large size of the neoplasm, hard-to-reach place, etc.).
Contraindications to cryodestruction
The procedure is contraindicated in acute infectious diseases, as well as in the presence of an inflammatory process in the internal organs.
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