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Cryosurgery |
| Cryotherapy destroys tumors of the liver by freezing the tumor cells. The sub-zero temperature freezes the tissue until the cells die and are then reabsorbed into the body. Cryotherapy is an alternative to other treatments and for patients who may not be candidates for surgical liver resection. Procedure: A stainless steel probe is inserted into the center of the tumor. Liquid nitrogen is then circulated through the probe in order to freeze the tissue around it. The tumor and a half inch of liver are frozen to minus 190 degrees Celsius. The frozen portion is thawed and then frozen once more to ensure the tumor cells are dead. The patient will have to remain in the hospital after the ablation and is generally discharged after observation the next day. Both radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation are offered at the center for Hepatobiliary disease at UF. For more information or to arrange an appointment call: 352-265-0606. |