Cryosurgery is a procedure performed in the office to destroy precancerous cells found on a Pap Smear and confirmed by a Colposcopy. Cryosurgery is well tolerated with only mild cramping lasting 10-20 minutes. Ibuprofen is given for cramps for they continue for the rest of the day. No anesthesia or sedation is necessary.
Most of the people will experience a reaction of a hot flash immediately after the procedure. It passes quickly and a patient is able to drive herself. If Colposcopy results reveal mild or moderate cervical dysplasia without the involvement of endocervix, Cryosurgery may be performed as a treatment of choice.
A probe connected to a cryo machine and a Nitrous Oxide gas is applied to the cervix, freezing and destroying the involved cells. They are replaced by the cells that grow during and post healing process.
Pap smear is usually done 3 months later to ensure that the cells that grow after the freezing are healthy. Subsequent pap smears are done every 6 months for the next 2 years to ensure that irregular cells are not coming back.
Patient Resource: Cryosurgery Brochure
