Consent and consultation form for patients treated with CryoPen
Cryosurgery is minimally invasive treatment of controlled destruction of unwanted tissue by the application of extreme cold. Cryosurgery is used to treat different types of lesions on the skin such as skin tags, warts and many more. Rapid freezing to -27°C and more will produce cryonecrosis in all benign human tissues. Although necrosis takes place at -27°C we have to take into consideration the body temperature, so the treatment needs to be done at least -64°C
Difference between liquid nitrogen and nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide rapidly freezes and destroys targeted cells but it’s not so cold as to cause unwanted
damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Nitrous oxide works at -89°C as cold as you can go
without causing tissue damage. Liquid nitrogen is -196°C and provides a much higher the risk of damage. The CryoPen applicator is designed for precision and allows a focused gas flow that targets only the
lesion and provides pinpoint accuracy during the treatment. Cryosurgery using liquid nitrogen involves the use of a cryoprobe or a cotton-tipped applicator that could be less precise than the CryoPen. This is why nitrous oxide is now favoured over liquid nitrogen
Risks and Side Effects
CryoPen Therapy is a relatively low risk-risk treatment and side effects and complications are usually minimal. Some side effects may occurs a result of the treatment. These include:
Pigment changes: Both hypo-pigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the skin). Both can last a few months but can be longer lasting.
Shards of frozen humidity: The innovation of the CryoPen is the direct application of nitrous oxide under pressure (55 bar). The high pressure jet may cause minor shards of frozen humidity in the air blown away in a circle of approx 30cm, They will thaw the moment they would eventually touch healthy skin.
Lesions on sites with coarse thermal hair: Hair follicles are easily damaged by cryosurgery and permanent alopecia is not uncommon.
Nerve Damage: Though rare, damage to nerves are possible, particularly in areas where they are closer to the surface such as fingers, wrists and the area behind the ear. Reports suggest thar this may disappear after several months.
Blisters: Patients may experience blistering for a period of 7-14 days post treatment and potentially up to 2-4 weeks depending on the area treated. Lesions on the body generally have a longer healing period compared to those that those on the face.
Considerations
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: It is advised to abstain from treatment due to unknown side effects
Antihistamine: Treatment with CryoPen cannot be performed if you are taking Anti-histamines. Please avoid taking them for 2-3 days prior to your treatment unless medically prescribed.
Please ensure that you have sought medical advice and have confirmed that the lesion is benign