Cryosurgery

Published on 05/03/2015 by admin

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Last modified 05/03/2015

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Chapter 52 Cryosurgery

3. Which agents are used for cryosurgery?

Most cryosurgeons use liquid nitrogen. It is readily available, inexpensive, easy to store, easy to use, and it works quickly. Less commonly used cryogens are Freon 12, Freon 22, solid CO2, liquid N2O (nitrous oxide), and liquid helium (Table 52-1). Because a colder cryogen causes deeper destruction, the Freons, solid CO2, and nitrous oxide are used only for topical anesthesia and superficial destruction. Liquid nitrogen is the only agent that is reliable for deeper destruction.

5. What types of skin conditions can be treated with cryosurgery?

Both benign (Table 52-2) and malignant (Table 52-3) lesions can be treated by cryosurgery. The most common lesions are warts, actinic keratoses, seborrheic keratoses, and molluscum contagiosum. Cryosurgery is one of the most common procedures performed by dermatologists.

Table 52-2. Benign Lesions Treatable by Cryosurgery

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