[Cryogenic surgery]

Local tumor destruction by cryosurgery was observed clinically and morphologically in 184 patients. If indication is observed strictly this method seems to provide real palliative effect. Complete tumor destruction was observed in 14.1%. Local tumor destruction was followed by tissue inflammation and nonspecific phagocytosis of tumor cells. Immunological reaction and epithelialization was noted only after radical destruction of tumors. Most cases showed immediate relief from stenosing cancer; colostomy could be avoided.