|
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is an
office procedure in which the cervix is frozen to very low
temperatures. The frozen tissue will then dissolve and be replaced over
the next 4-6 weeks by normal healthy tissue. This treatment is
effective in destroying abnormal cells in the cervix.
The procedure is
done through a speculum placed in the vagina, and takes about 10
minutes. Because the intense cold stops the pain sensation, and because
the cervix has very few nerve cells, the procedure should not be
painful. Some women do feel menstrual-like cramps however, and
occasional lightheadedness for a few minutes after the procedure. You
should be able to drive yourself home without difficulty.
PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE
**Take Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Tylenol before the
procedure. It may decrease any cramping you may have.
-
If you have your
period on the day of the procedure, you will need to call and
reschedule this appointment to when you are no longer bleeding.
-
If there is any
possibility that you may be pregnant, please tell your nurse so
we can do a pregnancy test first. Cryosurgery is not done during
pregnancy.
-
Do not have
intercourse, douche, or place anything in the vagina for 48 hours
prior to this procedure.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
-
For 2 weeks after
treatment do not do any heavy lifting or exercising. You may return to
work.
-
Do not use tampons,
douche, or have intercourse for 4 weeks after treatment since these
may cause infection or bleeding which could delay healing.
-
You may use Tylenol
or Ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
-
You may take a
shower anytime after treatment, but do not take a tub bath for 24
hours.
-
Wear only 100%
cotton underwear for 1 month after the procedure.
-
If you are taking
birth control pills, you do not need to stop taking them.
THINGS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE POST-OPERATIVELY
AFTER CRYOSURGERY:
PAIN: Significant pain is rare with Cryosurgery.
More likely, you may have menstrual-type cramping. Using Ibuprofen,
Aleve or Tylenol will help.
VAGINAL DISCHARGE:
A yellowish discharge is normal for about 3-4 weeks after Cryosurgery.
If the discharge has a bad odor or persists more than 6 weeks,
please call our office.
INFECTION:
Infection is a rare side effect. However, call our office if you have a
temperature of 101 or greater, or pain uncontrolled by your pain
medicine.
ABDOMINAL BLOATING:
A very small percentage of patients experience abdominal bloating. This
usually subsides in 24 hours.
NAUSEA: Nausea
is a rare problem and seems to be related to nervousness about the
procedure. It usually does not last more than 4-5 hours.
BLEEDING:
Mild, pinkish, this vaginal discharge is normal for up to a week. You
need to call immediately if you have bleeding that is heavier than a
normal menstrual period.
DIFFICULTY
URINATING: If you have difficulty or are unable to urinate, call our
office or come to the Emergency Room at NFRMC.
FOLLOW-UP IS ESSENTIAL!
It is extremely
important that you keep your follow-up appointments with your doctor in
order to be sure that treatment has been effective. Please call our office to make a follow-up appointment 3 months from your
Cryosurgery for your first Pap smear. You will need pap smears
every 3 months for a year, and every 6 months for the following year
to be sure the problem does not recur.
Back to the Education Main Page |
