külmablatsioon

Külmablatsioon, also known as cryoablation, is a medical procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. It is a form of thermal ablation, similar to radiofrequency ablation which uses heat. The process involves inserting a specialized probe, called a cryoprobe, into or near the target tissue. The tip of the probe is then cooled to very low temperatures, typically below -100 degrees Celsius. This extreme cold causes ice crystals to form within and around the cells of the target tissue. The formation of ice crystals leads to cell rupture and death through both direct cellular damage and the disruption of blood supply to the area.

Külmablatsioon is a minimally invasive technique and is often performed under imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or CT scans, to ensure accurate placement of the cryoprobe. After the freezing process, the tissue is allowed to thaw. In many cases, the dead tissue is then reabsorbed by the body over time. The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and often as an outpatient procedure.

The applications of külmablatsioon are diverse and include the treatment of various conditions. It is commonly used to treat certain types of tumors, such as kidney cancer, liver cancer, and prostate cancer, particularly in cases where surgery may not be ideal. It can also be used to treat benign conditions like uterine fibroids and chronic pain by targeting and destroying nerve tissue responsible for transmitting pain signals. The recovery time after külmablatsioon is generally shorter compared to traditional surgery.