Ablative Therapies

Cyrotherapy destroys liver cancer tumors by using super cooled nitrogen or argon gas to freeze liver lesions by creating an “ice ball” in the tumor. Damage to surrounding tissue is limited.

Clinical and laboratory research suggest that hepatic cryotherapy is effective in patients with inoperable tumors which are located in a difficult section of the liver (near large vessels).

Like RFA, cryotherapy is most effective in liver lesions that are less than or equal to 3-4 centimeters in size.

The procedure can be performed either of two ways:

• Through the skin: Cyrotyherapy can be performed by inserting a needle through the skin into the liver tumor with guidance from an MRI or ultrasound (percutaneously ). A probe is then placed through the needle and positioned in the liver tumor.
  • The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
  • The patient can go home the same day.
• Open surgery: With open surgery, an incision is made in the abdomen.
  • The operation is performed under general anesthesia by a surgeon.
  • The stay in the hospital and overall recovery period will be longer. Your doctor can give you an idea of what to expect. (See the documents in “To Learn More” to maximize your stay in a hospital, to stay safe, and not receive unwarranted billing).

Side Effects: Complications of cryotherapy may include bleeding, mild fever, increase in liver enzymes due to damage to the bile ducts, infection or abscess.

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