Cryosurgery - OB/GYN Physicians

Dr. Marashi is an internationally recognized leader in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. He performs conventional laparoscopic or DualPortGYN procedures. As a top gyn doctor in Brooklyn, he is helping patients avoid more invasive open and robotic procedures performed by many OB/GYNs.

Remember that YOU are undergoing the surgical procedure. There are far better options than open surgery, robotic surgery, and standard laparoscopic surgery for almost all GYN problems. See a well qualified and well-trained minimally invasive GYN surgical specialist who is board-certified and fellowship-trained.

What is Cryosurgery?

Cervical cryosurgery or cryotherapy is a gynecological treatment that freezes a section of a woman’s cervix also used to treat some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like genital warts.

Cryotherapy uses special instruments called cryoprobes that deliver liquid nitrogen. It is most often done to destroy abnormal cervical cells that are precancerous, which your doctor will refer to as cervical dysplasia & is over 85% effective.

Cryosurgery is usually done after a colposcopy confirms the presence of any abnormal cervical cells using a Cervical Biopsy procedure. Cryotherapy is also used for the treatment of cervicitis or inflammation of the cervix & abnormal bleeding.

Cryotherapy is not a treatment for cervical cancer.

Before Cryosurgery

No special preparation is required by the patient or physician prior to cryosurgery. The patient should be informed of the potential risks, benefits, failure rates, and alternatives to the procedure.

• You may take a medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen 1-2 hours prior to your scheduled procedure.
• No anesthetic is required for the procedure.
• Your provider will perform the cryosurgery procedure in the office, which will require 15-20 minutes.
• You may experience uterine cramping during and immediately after the procedure.

What Happens During Cryosurgery?

Cryosurgery is an office procedure that is done while you are awake. After undressing from the waist down, you will be asked to lie down with your feet in stirrups. A metal speculum is then inserted into the vaginal canal so that it can be held open to allow for a view of your cervix. A cryoprobe is then inserted into the vagina and placed firmly on the surface of your cervix, covering the abnormal tissue.

Liquid nitrogen then begins to flow out of the cryoprobe at approximately -50 degrees Celsius. The cryoprobe becomes cold enough to freeze and destroy the abnormal cervical tissue. For optimal treatment and the best results, the freezing is done for 3 minutes, the doctor will let your cervix thaw and then repeat the treatment for 3 more minutes. Although some slight cramping may occur, cryosurgery is relatively painless and produces very little scarring.

What Can I Expect After Cryosurgery?

Almost all normal activities can be resumed immediately after surgery. It is normal to experience a watery discharge for the first few weeks following the procedure, which is caused by the shedding of the dead cervical tissue.

Do not use tampons or douches and no vaginal intercourse for at least 2-3 weeks. If you experience any fever, heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or increasing pelvic pain, or foul smelling yellowish discharge, please call your doctor immediately.

Cryotherapy is relatively risk free. After cryosurgery you will be required to have a Pap test done every 3-6 months for a period of time to ensure the surgery was successful. Once you have had several normal pap smears your doctor will discuss how often you should come in for a screening in the future.

Dr. Amir Marashi, MD
Brooklyn GYN Place
142 Joralemon Street, Suite 4CF
Brooklyn, NY 11201‎
(Brooklyn Heights)
718-624-0604