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Cryosurgery is one type of treatment to prevent cervical cancer. It is very safe and effective. Most of the time, abnormal cervical cells heal without treatment. At times though, they can develop into cancer. Treatments of precancerous abnormal cells are highly effective at preventing cervical cancer which is why it is so important to have regular Pap Smears and follow up on any abnormal studies. Cryosurgery is a treatment for abnormal cells on the cervix. It is done by applying a very cold chemical to the cervix to freeze the cells which allows normal cells to grow back. Cryosurgery is performed after abnormal cells are found during a Pap Smear, biopsy, or Colposcopy of the cervix. It cures 85 to 90 percent of abnormal tissue. If the abnormal cells are deep inside the cervical canal, it is less likely to cure the problem. A cryoprobe is connected to the end of the cryo instrument which rapidly freezes the abnormal tissue on the surface of the cervix. The whole process takes about 5 minutes which consists of cramping and pressure during the procedure. It is not unusual to have a watery discharge after the procedure is performed. The discharge may become very heavy and mixed with blood. Most women should not place anything inside their vagina for two to three weeks following this procedure which helps to increase the healing time and reduce the incidence of infection. Complications of the procedure can include heavy bleeding, fainting, a flare-up of a pelvic infection and freeze burns on the wall of the vagina. If you develop abdominal pain, fever or chills, vaginal discharge that has a bad odor, or heavy vaginal bleeding, then you should call your physician.
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