One of the most modern and advanced methods of treating cervical diseases is cryodestruction . This term can be literally translated as "destruction by cold." Therefore, we can define: cryodestruction of the cervix is a modern method of local exposure to the cervix of the uterus of liquid nitrogen of low temperatures (-90 - -150 degrees) for therapeutic purposes, while the tissues to be removed are destroyed by freezing (cooling).
Cervical destruction of the cervix is the most gentle surgical procedure at this time. The numerous advantages of the cryosurgical method have ensured its wide use in the treatment of pathological processes and diseases of the cervix.
The advantages of cryodestruction:
1. A painless effect on the cervix, which does not require additional anesthesia, since cooling leads to a rapid violation of the sensitivity of nerve endings, creating an analgesic effect.
2. The procedure is bloodless, since during cryotherapy spasm of blood vessels occurs , thrombosis of the microvasculature. Therefore, the area of necrosis during and after the procedure does not bleed.
3. Cryodestruction does not change and does not reduce the elasticity of the cervix, therefore, the opening of the cervix during subsequent birth will occur normally, which allows this method to be used in nulliparous women.
4. The possibility of a clear impact on the focus of the pathology provides the most minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
5. Cryodestruction of the cervix does not leave scars and scars.
6. The relative simplicity of the procedure.
7. Prevention of metastasis of neoplasms during and after the procedure.
8. It is painless and easy to tolerate.
9. Provides a stable effect and complete restoration of this tissue.
10. There are no relapses.
11. There is no need for suturing or difficult care after surgery.
12. At the time of the procedure is not long.
13. No need for long preoperative preparation.
14. Minimum injury procedure.
15. Rejection of the neoplasm takes place simultaneously with the replacement of the focus with healthy tissue.
16. Low risk of complications.
17. Activation of the natural mechanisms of the immune system in the focus of exposure.
The relative disadvantages of the procedure include:
1. The duration of the healing of the site of exposure (from 10 to 21 days).
2. It is not always advisable at the time of choosing a treatment method (too large a size of neoplasms, inaccessibility).
Operation
To visualize the borders of the lesion, the cervix is treated with Lugol's solution with glycerin. The mucous should be moist. Then the warm cryo-tip is pressed against the surface of the neck so that the lesion is completely covered. If the lesion protrudes beyond the tip, there is a risk of failure of the operation, but if it protrudes more than 3–5 mm, then the lesion will not be removed. After this, the circulation of the refrigerant is activated, and after a few seconds the tip will freeze to the neck. At the same time, the exposure time should take at least 3 minutes (from 3 to 5 minutes). At the end of cryotherapy, the tip thaws, and it is removed. Faster thawing can occur by irrigation with isotonic sodium chloride solution.
Stages of cryodestruction
1. First, tissue freezes using liquid nitrogen. The fabric becomes cold, dense, white, insensitive; this may sometimes be accompanied by sensations of slight tingling or burning, slight pain.
2. Within 1-3 hours - collateral edema and hyperemia.
3. Within 6 - 24 hours - the appearance of epidermal blisters (with hemorrhagic or serous contents).
4. Complete rejection of necrosis occurs at 2-6 weeks, leaving an invisible spot. In this case, epithelization of the lesion and surrounding tissue also occurs.
5. From 3 to 6 months, the restoration of all structures and elements of the dermis, complete regeneration of the zones, which corresponds to normal, healthy skin.
Indications for cryodestruction in the field of gynecology:
1. cervical erosion ;
2. cervical cyst ;
3. ectopia of the epithelium;
4. chronic cervicitis;
5. leukoplakia;
6. dysplasia (degree 1-2);
7. condylomas of the vagina, perineum, vulva;
8. ectropion;
9. papillomas of the vagina or vulva;
10. complex antirecurrent treatment of polyps in the cervical canal (after surgical removal of the polyp);
11. kraurosis and leukoplakia of the vulva;
Contraindications to the procedure:
1. acute or subacute inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
2. inflammatory diseases of the vagina or cervix, purity of the vaginal flora of 3-4 degrees;
3. STDs;
4. too obvious cicatricial deformity of the uterus;
5. endometriosis, fibroids requiring surgical treatment;
6. dysplasia of the 3rd degree or suspicion of its cancer;
7. ovarian tumor;
8. somatic diseases of the decompensation stage;
9. acute infectious diseases.
Before the procedure, you need to consult a gynecologist to decide on the possibility of carrying out this particular treatment method. The consultation includes: collecting patient complaints and anamnesis, examining the genitals in the mirror, after which - sampling the flora of the vaginal discharge, PCR smears for infections, a Pap test (biopsy if indicated), and colposcopy.
Based on the results of the examination, a diagnosis is established and the optimal treatment method is determined. Cervical destruction of the cervix is usually carried out from 7 to 10 days of the cycle.
Cryodestruction of the cervix: reviews
Most clients respond to this method well, since it has a huge number of advantages (which are indicated above), especially painlessness, bloodlessness of the procedure, the possibility of using nulliparous patients, the absence of scars and high efficiency are especially pleasing to patients. But there are also negative statements. Usually this happens due to poor-quality preoperative examination or shortcomings during the operation (this indicates that you need to do cryo only in reliable clinics).
As we already understood, with cervical pathologies, an effective and safe method of treatment is cryosurgery of the cervix. The consequences of the treatment and neglect of such diseases can be deplorable and even lead to cancer. So treat cervical diseases and be healthy!