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Cryoablation

Cryoablation is delivered directly into the tumor by a probe that is inserted through the skin using imaging to guide it internally. Cryoablation uses an extremely cold gas to freeze the tumor to kill it; the "ice ball" that is created around the needle grows in size and destroys the frozen tumor cells.

Cryoablation in North Carolina 

Recent interventional cryoablation data are showing near 100 percent efficacy for tumors up to four centimeters if localized to the kidney. Larger localized tumors can also be successfully treated with cryoablation depending on size and location

Studies are ongoing to compare cryoablation to partial nephrectomy (removal of part of the kidney), and it is expected that the two treatments will be shown to be equivalent in the future. This treatment spares the majority of the healthy kidney tissue and can be repeated if needed.

Cryoablation at Wake Forest Baptist Health 

Cryoablation is extremely safe, and most patients are sent home the same day or go home the next day. The most common complication is a bruise (hematoma) around the kidney that goes away by itself.