Cryotherapy Treatments & Devices

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Cryotherapy Treatments & Devices

Cryotherapy refers to a method of destroying abnormal or malignant cells and tissues through the use of an extremely cold liquid or device. When used in surgery, the procedure is referred to as cryosurgery. As an alternative to traditional surgery, cryotherapy techniques tend to be most beneficial for patients who may face higher risks by undergoing surgery, such as the elderly or those with other medical conditions. Cryotherapy is also especially advantageous when doctors want to treat a particular area of skin while avoiding the destruction or injury of surrounding, healthy tissues.

To perform cryotherapy, doctors may:

Swab a cryogen (i.e. a cold liquid), which is typically liquid nitrogen because it is the coldest available cryogen (-320°F), over the area of skin to be treated. This method is generally used for warts, skin lesions and other non-cancerous skin growths, and a second application may be needed depending on the condition being treated.
Spray a cryogen onto the growth; the freezing may last between 5 and 20 seconds. While this method may also call for a second round of spraying, doctors may also use a thermometer (connected to a thin needle that is inserted into the growth) to ensure that the skin cells achieve a cold enough temperature.
Use a cold probe to cool the abnormal tissues. The probe is cooled by circulating liquid nitrogen through it, and, once cold enough, doctors will directly touch the abnormal tissues with the probe. Although this method can take up to three times longer to be effective than the spray method, use of a cryoprobe is the best way of treating internal abnormal tissues, such as cancers and malignancies.

Cervical Cryotherapy Treatment

Cervical cryotherapy treatment is a procedure in which abnormal tissues on the cervix are frozen and destroyed. Cervical cryotherapy is performed after a woman has had an abnormal Pap smear and has been diagnosed with cervical dysplasia. Although the procedure can cause discomfort, it is an outpatient procedure that typically lasts about 5 minutes and, in most cases, completely destroys the abnormalities – which generally do not recur. Cervical cryotherapy is not appropriate if a woman is pregnant.

Following the procedure, a woman may experience cramping and a heavy, odorous discharge (which are the remains of the dead abnormal tissues) for about a month. In rare cases, however, some serious side effects may arise, including excessive bleeding and serious infection.

Cryotherapy Treatment for Prostate Cancer

As a new type of treatment for prostate cancer, cryotherapy is used in the effort to destroy malignancies on a man's prostate gland. This treatment procedure is particularly beneficial in cases of early stage prostate cancer, as well as in those in which a radical prostatectomy (a surgical treatment) cannot be performed. Despite its advantages, however, cryotherapy for prostate cancer can, in rare cases, cause some serious side effects, including incontinence and impotence. Researchers are currently investigating whether cryotherapy has the ability to also cause infertility.

Cold Therapy Devices

The term cold therapy devices refer to a type of device that patients take home following some surgeries. These devices generally come with little instruction. They work when a patient places a pad on the injured area. The device is filled with water and ice, which circulates to the cooling pad that is applied on the skin. The device will continue to circulate cold water and cool the affected area.

There are three main companies that manufacture this type of cold therapy device:

EBIce Cold Therapy System®
Donjoy Iceman®
Breg Polar Care®

Cold Therapy Injuries

Some patients have reported nerve damage, skin damage and/or frostbite as a result of using a cold therapy device. This may happen if patients use the device for too long. Some patients are prescribed cold therapy devices to reduce swelling in the feet, ankles, hands, wrists, knees and shoulders.

Compensation May be Available for Cryotherapy Injuries

If you or a loved one suffered an injury or long-term damage following a cryotherapy treatment or use of a cold therapy device, you may be able to seek compensation for our injuries and losses. For more information, contact a cryotherapy lawyer. We recognize that the injuries caused by these treatments and devices can be debilitating and painful. As a result, we promise to fight aggressively to make sure you receive full compensation for your losses. Call today and schedule a free and private evaluation of your case.

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