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| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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Removal of abnormal or diseased tissue by freezing, usually with liquid
nitrogen
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| Reasons For Procedure |
- Primary treatment of cervical dysplasia (low and high grade squamous
intraepithelial lesion [SIL]).
- Removal of skin lesions.
- Treatment of cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix).
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| Risk Increases With |
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None expected.
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| Description of Procedure |
- For small skin lesions, liquid nitrogen is applied to a cotton-tipped
applicator. The applicator is held to the skin lesions until they are
frozen and destroyed.
- Sometimes, a spray can with pressurized liquid nitrogen is used to
freeze skin lesions.
- For surgery on the cervix, a special probe instrument is used. Liquid
nitrogen circulates in the tip of this instrument causing it to become
almost as cold as the liquid nitrogen. The instrument tip is held on
the affected areas until the abnormal tissue is frozen.
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| Expected Outcome |
- For skin lesions: Initial swelling and redness become a blister in
2 or 3 days. The blister will rupture by itself about 2 weeks after
surgery. It will leave a scab, but little or no scar after complete
healing.
- For surgery of the cervix: Expect complete healing without complications.
There may be mild uterine cramping and facial flushing. Vaginal discharge
is common and may be profuse, foul-smelling and last for 7-10 days or
longer. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.
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| Possible Complications |
- Surgical-wound infection (rare).
- Cervical stenosis (narrowing).
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- For cervical therapy, discuss with your doctor when you should be
seen for a follow-up examination to be sure healing is complete and
to assure that the treatment was effective.
- Bathe and shower as usual. If appropriate, keep any skin wounds dry
with bandages for the first 2 or 3 days after surgery. If a bandage
gets wet, change it promptly.
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| Medication |
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You may use nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, to relieve minor
pain.
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| Activity |
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No restrictions.
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| Diet |
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No special diet
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
Any of the following occurs:
- Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical
area.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness
or a general ill feeling and fever.
- Vaginal discharge increases or changes.
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