📖 What is percutaneous cryoablation?
Cryoablation uses extreme cold (temperatures of −40°C) to destroy tissue. One or more cryoprobes are inserted percutaneously (through the skin) into the target lesion under CT or ultrasound guidance. Freeze–thaw cycles create an "ice ball" that ablates the lesion while sparing surrounding structures.
Key advantage over radiofrequency ablation: the ice ball is clearly visible on CT and ultrasound, enabling precise real-time control of the ablation zone. Cryoablation is preferred near sensitive structures (nerves, bile ducts, ureter) where thermal ablation would carry higher risk.
⚡ At a glance — key figures
Cryoablation destroys tissue using extreme cold (−40 to −150°C) delivered through fine needles placed under imaging guidance — used across multiple organs including kidney, lung, bone and soft tissue.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Principle | Ice ball formation destroys targeted tissue while sparing surrounding structures |
| Advantage | The treated zone is clearly visible on CT during the procedure, improving precision |
| Anaesthesia | Local or general depending on the target organ |
| Cost | Yes. At Cochin AP-HP (a French public hospital), this procedure is covered by national health insurance with no out-of-pocket fees. Contact ri.cch@aphp.fr or +33 1 58 41 46 12. |
Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP.
🎯 Indications
🌸 Abdominal wall endometriosis
One of the pioneering centres worldwide at Cochin AP-HP (Pr Dohan). Cryoablation of parietal endometriosis nodules (C-section scar endometriosis). 80–95% efficacy. General anaesthesia.
🦶 Morton's neuroma
CT/ultrasound-guided cryoablation of the intermetatarsal neuroma. Immediate weight-bearing. No scar. Local anaesthesia. 70–85% pain reduction.
🩻 Renal tumours
T1a renal cell carcinoma — cryoablation as alternative to surgery. Preferred near renal collecting system or ureter.
🦴 Bone & soft tissue
Osteoid osteoma (small bone tumours), desmoid tumours, soft tissue masses.
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✓ 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: August 2026.