COMPLICATIONS OF CUTANEOUS CRYOTHERAPY

Objectives: To review the complications and contraindications associat ed with cutaneous cryotherapy, and to describe the prevention of compl ications by appropriate technique, with consideration of the type of l esion being treated, the anatomical site and recognition of the high-r isk patient. Data sources and selection: We reviewed published work (i n English) from 1982 to 1993. All commonly cited complications are pre sented and described. Conclusions: Cutaneous cryotherapy generally has few complications. However, serious adverse events have been reported , and should be noted by all clinicians using cryotherapy. With adequa te training, appropriate patient selection and the use of suitable cry otherapy regimens, cutaneous cryotherapy provides safe and effective t reatment for a wide variety of cutaneous lesions.