title: Principles of cryosurgery.
abstract: The mechanism by which a cryogen destroys cells is complex. The formation of a hemispherical iceball composed of thermogradients, each of which maintains a temperature proportional to its distance from the application point, initiates the cryoinjury. The cardinal rule of cryosurgery includes a rapid freeze, which produces highly damaging intracellular ice formation and closely-packed thermogradients, coupled with a slow thaw. Multiple freeze/thaw cycles are most destructive, producing ischemic necrosis. Histological and clinical aspects are discussed, as well as complications and follow-up procedures.
mesh_terms: D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology