Closed argon-based cryoablation of bone tumours.
We report our experience with a new technique for cryosurgical ablation of bone tumours which allows accurate determination of the temperature and freezing time within a cavity of any geometrical shape. Between 1997 and 2000, 58 patients diagnosed with 13 malignant and 45 aggressive benign bone tumours underwent argon-based cryoablation. This technique includes removal of the tumour by curettage and filling the cavity with a gel medium into which metal probes are inserted. Argon gas is delivered through the metal probes and both time and temperature are computer-controlled. After formal reconstruction, all patients were followed for more than two years. None had skin necrosis, infection, neurapraxia or thromboembolic complication. Fractures occurred in two patients (3.4%) and the tumour recurred in two patients (3.4%).
Bickels
J
J
Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Kollender
Y
Y
Merimsky
O
O
Isaakov
J
J
Petyan-Brand
R
R
Meller
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001128:Argon; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology
D001128:Argon