What you need to know about cryosurgery for the cervix!

It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when your doctor tells you that there are some abnormal cells in your Pap test report. You may be thinking, "What do I do now?" But don't worry. Most of the time, these are not cancer, but just cells that could turn into cancer in the future. The best thing is, there are now very effective ways to treat these conditions. Today, we're going to talk about one such special, simple treatment. This is called cryosurgery, or cryosurgery in medical terms.

Simply put, what is cryosurgery?

The name may sound like a big deal, but it's actually quite simple. Simply put, cryosurgery is the use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal cells in your cervix. Think of it like you would sometimes use ice to remove a tumor from your body. That's what happens here.

For this, a very cold chemical, such as liquid nitrogen, is used. This extreme cold freezes the abnormal cells and kills them. Then, new, healthy cells begin to grow in their place.

In fact, nowadays, in Sri Lanka and many other countries around the world, a treatment called LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) is more commonly used than this method. There are reasons for that, which we will talk about later. However, in some special cases, doctors still recommend this Cryosurgery treatment.

In what cases is this treatment recommended?

There are several situations in which your doctor may decide that this treatment is right for you.

• If you have unexplained bleeding from your cervix: In addition to your normal menstrual period, you have unexplained bleeding.
• Cervicitis: This is a condition in which the cervix is ​​swollen and infected.
• Genital warts: If warts have formed on the surface of the cervix due to the HPV virus.
• Abnormal cells that can turn into cervical cancer: This is called cervical dysplasia . These are not cancer, but they are cells that have the potential to become cancer in the future if left untreated. This treatment works to reduce that risk.

How does the treatment work?

This is not a major surgery. It is something simple that can be done in your doctor's office.

Before treatment

You will not be put to sleep for this procedure. This is done while you are awake. Sometimes the doctor may give you a local anesthetic to numb your cervix. If you are feeling anxious or nervous, you may be given a sedative to help you relax. Your doctor may advise you to avoid having sex or inserting anything into your vagina for 24 to 48 hours before the procedure.

During treatment

This entire process takes less than 10 minutes.

1. First, you will be given a Pap test and asked to lie down on an examination bed.

2. Then, the doctor inserts a device called a speculum into the vagina and adjusts it so that the cervix can be clearly seen.

3. Next, a thin, long metal instrument called a cryoprobe is passed through the vagina to the cervix. The tip of this instrument is filled with a very cold chemical, making it as cold as ice (about -50°C).

4. The doctor places this cryogenic tip on the area where the abnormal cells are and holds it there for a few seconds or a few minutes.

5. The cells will freeze in this cold. Then, the device is removed, the area is allowed to thaw a little, and the same process is repeated if necessary.

What happens after treatment?

You can go home after the treatment is over. There is no need to stay in the hospital. If you feel any discomfort or pain, you can take a simple painkiller like paracetamol.

The most important thing is that for a few weeks after treatment, you may have a watery, possibly bloody, discharge from your vagina. Don't be alarmed by this. This is very normal. This is because the dead cells are dissolving and passing out of your body. During this time, you should use sanitary pads instead of tampons.

The doctor will give you a day to come back to see if the treatment was successful and if all the abnormal cells have disappeared. At that time, he will do something like a Pap test to check the situation.

Advantages and disadvantages of cryosurgery treatment

Like any treatment, this one has both advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at it.

Are there any risks or side effects to this?

Cryosurgery is generally a very safe treatment. It will not affect your ability to have children in the future. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some very small risks.

• Cramping and pain under the belly button
• Slight vaginal bleeding (spotting)
• Feeling faint or dizzy after treatment
• Rarely, an infection occurs.
• Scarring of the cervix. This is called cervical stenosis .
• Minor burns on the surface of the cervix due to extreme cold.

Many of these are very rare, but it's important to be aware of them.

How long will it take to heal and when should I call the doctor ?

Most people can return to their normal activities the same day after treatment. But the most important thing is to follow the doctor's instructions.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of an infection or other complication. Therefore, you should contact your doctor immediately.

In conclusion, Cryosurgery is a simple, safe method used to treat some abnormal conditions of the cervix. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you. So if you have any concerns or doubts, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor.

cryosurgery, cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia, women's health, pap test, LEEP, cryotherapy