Postoperative sequelae of cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a proved method for treatment of neoplasms of the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. It is not free, however, from postoperative complications. Delayed healing and extensive scarring are common occurrences. Significant functional and esthetic impairment, although uncommon, can result. Exposure of lingual mandibular bone can interfere with prosthetic replacement. Postfreezing evaluation of cervical nodes in patients treated for oral cancers can be complicated by persistent lymphadenopathy. Cryosurgery of irradiated bone or overlying tissue can result in osteoradionecrosis. Although the possibility of these complications should not be a major deterrent when it is felt that cryosurgery is the preferred method for treating a malignancy, the complications deserve careful consideration in the management of benign lesions.