Endometriosis Cryoablation: Results

Quick answer

In 80 to 90% of cases, a single cryoablation session is enough to achieve durable control of parietal endometriosis. Retreatment remains possible in case of recurrence, as cryoablation closes no later treatment option.

Pseudo-progression at 3 months: a normal phenomenon
After cryoablation, the 3-month follow-up MRI often shows an apparent increase in the size of the lesion. This phenomenon of pseudo-progression is normal and does not mean failure or recurrence: it corresponds to the inflammatory and oedematous reaction after cryoablation. The lesion then regresses progressively from 6 months.

Criterion	At 3 months	At 6 months	At 12 months
Clinical response (pain VAS)	Variable (pseudo-progression)	70-85% reduction	80-90% reduction
MRI appearance	Possible increase (normal)	Early regression	Necrosis and reduction
Local control	Not assessable	75-85%	80-90%
Patient satisfaction	Moderate (waiting)	High	High

D0: percutaneous cryoablation

Under CT or MRI guidance. Local anaesthesia +/- conscious sedation. 2 freeze/thaw cycles. Duration 45-90 min. Discharge the same day or D1.

M3: mandatory follow-up MRI

Assessment of the ablation zone. The zone often appears larger (normal and expected pseudo-progression). A systematic follow-up consultation explains this phenomenon.

M6: second MRI

Start of regression of the treated zone. Clinical assessment of symptoms. Decision to retreat if the ablation is incomplete.

M12: annual MRI

Definitive assessment of local control. 80-90% significant reduction of symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Is cryoablation a definitive treatment for parietal endometriosis?

In 80-90% of cases, a single treatment is enough to achieve durable control of parietal endometriosis lesions. Retreatment is possible in case of recurrence or incomplete treatment.

What should I do if the pain persists at 3 months?

Persistence of symptoms at 3 months is common and does not mean failure. Pseudo-progression of the lesion on MRI is normal. You should wait for the 6-month follow-up before assessing the definitive response.

Is cryoablation of parietal endometriosis reimbursed?

Cryoablation is provided at Cochin AP-HP (public sector, no fee supplements). The CCAM code and specific reimbursement must be confirmed during the consultation.

Learn more

Cryoablation of endometriosis at Cochin

Technique, indication and procedure of percutaneous cryoablation of endometriosis.

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Scientific references

Percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of abdominal wall endometriosis: towards a novel standard of care?

Cornelis FH, Moyne T, Dohan A. Diagn Interv Imaging 2024;105(9):299-300.

Percutaneous cryoablation of abdominal wall endometriosis: a systematic literature review of safety and efficacy

Bodard S, Razakamanantsoa L, Geevarghese R, O'Gorman J, Dohan A, Marcelin C, Cornelis FH. Insights Imaging 2024;15:282.

🇫🇷 French version: cryoablation-endometriose-resultats.html

Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: July 2026.

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Cryoablation of Parietal Endometriosis: Results and Follow-up at Cochin AP-HP