CRYOSURGERY OF LIVER-TUMORS

Cryosurgery is the in situ destruction of tissue using subzero tempera tures. Its use for the treatment of some unresectable liver tumors has been clearly established as a therapeutic option. Experimental studie s have demonstrated the feasibility of freezing of large liver volumes without any major metabolic and hemorrhagic complications. Modem cryo surgery has received substantial impetus from the development of autom ated cryosurgical apparatuses using liquid nitrogen. Intraoperative ul trasound has enhanced the process by enabling visualization of tissue freezing and ensuring precise and optimal treatment of the tumor. Clin ical reports of cryosurgery for liver primary tumors and metastases ha ve confirmed the safety of the procedure. Major complications include myoglobinuria, coagulopathy and pleural effusions. The benefit of cryo surgery is that it broadens the number of patients that can be brought to surgery and can potentially become disease-free.