The cryoprobe retractor in the microsurgical dissection of tumors. Technical note

A technique is outlined for retraction of tumors under the operating microscope using the microcyoprobe. The method depends on temperatures settings in the--20 degrees to--30 degrees C range to produce a small ice bond uniting tumor and cryoprobe. No attempt is made to create a solid frozen tumor. The locally avascular field and retraction provided ideal circumstances for microdissection. Examples of this approach are outlined with case summaries for spinal cord ependymoma and hemangioblastoma.