Cryo-surgery for symptomatic extra-abdominal desmoids. A proof of concept study

Extra abdominal desmoid tumors are rare, highly aggressive, and invasive benign soft tissue tumors. Current treatment modalities show high levels of recurrence and comorbidities. Cryo-surgery as an alternative was subsequently investigated.

In this retrospective, single center study 11 patients showing symptomatic tumors were treated with individualized cryo-surgery. Treatment protocol included preoperative planning using computer rendered 3D models, intraoperative navigation and execution using cone beam guidance, and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging image analysis using a gaussian mixture model software. Subjective outcomes were reported using Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires.

Sixteen ablations were performed, each demonstrating a complete match with the determined preoperative plan and model. A total of 9/11 (82%) of patients showed improvements in symptoms and a reduction in tumor volume while 2/11 (18%) did not. Average reduction in tumor volume and viable segments were 36.7% (p = 0.0397) and 63.3% (p = 0.0477), respectively. Mild complications according to the SIR Adverse Event Classification Guidelines were experienced in 3/16 (19%) ablations. SF-36 scores showed a statistically significant improvement (p = 0.0194) in the mental health category and a nonsignificant (p = 0.8071) improvement in the physical health category.

Cryo-surgery using the three-phase protocol as described may improve the overall outcome of future ablation procedures.