[Cryosurgery of liver neoplasms]

Cryosurgery is the in situ destruction of tissue using subzero temperatures. Its use for the treatment of some unresectable liver tumors has been clearly established as a therapeutic option. Experimental studies have demonstrated the feasibility of freezing of large liver volumes without any major metabolic and hemorrhagic complications. Modern cryosurgery has received substantial impetus from the development of automated cryosurgical apparatuses using liquid nitrogen. Intraoperative ultrasound has enhanced the process by enabling visualization of tissue freezing and ensuring precise and optimal treatment of the tumor. Clinical reports of cryosurgery for liver primary tumors and metastases have confirmed the safety of the procedure. Major complications include myoglobinuria, coagulopathy and pleural effusions. The benefit of cryosurgery is that it broadens the number of patients that can be brought to surgery and can potentially become disease-free.