Name of the Procedure:

Cryoablation
Common names: Cryoablation
Technical/Medical term: Probe/needle, cryoablation (HCPCS Code C2618)

Summary

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy unwanted tissue, such as tumors or abnormal cells.

Purpose

Cryoablation is primarily used to treat tumors, including liver, kidney, and prostate tumors. The goal is to precisely target and destroy abnormal cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Indications

Indicated for patients with:

• Small to medium-sized tumors
• Tumors that are difficult to reach surgically
• Recurrent tumors that require minimally invasive treatment

Preparation

• Fasting for several hours before the procedure
• Adjustments in medication, particularly blood thinners
• Pre-procedure imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to plan the procedure

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned on the treatment table.
2. Local anesthesia or light sedation is administered.
3. A small incision is made to insert the cryoablation probe.
4. The probe is guided to the target tissue using imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scans.
5. Once in position, the probe releases extremely cold gases, freezing and destroying the targeted tissue.
6. The probe is removed, and the incision is closed.

Duration

Typically, the procedure lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the size and location of the target tissue.

Setting

Performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Interventional radiologist or surgeon
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
• Nursing support staff

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Bruising or soreness at the insertion site
• Mild bleeding

Rare complications:

• Infection
• Damage to surrounding tissues
• Nerve injury
• Incomplete ablation requiring repeat procedure

Benefits

• Minimally invasive with quick recovery time
• Effective targeting of abnormal tissue
• Preservation of surrounding healthy tissue
• Benefits usually realized within days to weeks post-procedure

Recovery

• Post-procedure monitoring for a few hours
• Pain management with prescribed medications
• Avoiding strenuous activity for a few days
• Follow-up imaging tests to ensure all the abnormal tissue has been destroyed

Alternatives

• Surgical removal of the tumor: More invasive, longer recovery
• Radiofrequency ablation: Uses heat instead of cold, similar effectiveness
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy: Non-invasive but with systemic side effects

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort or pain during and after the procedure, managed with medications
• Temporary soreness at the incision site
• Rapid return to normal activities within a few days
• Follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure proper healing