When is surgery required after cryoablation?

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy cancerous tissue. It is typically used to treat small, early stage tumors and is less invasive than traditional surgery. However, in some cases, surgery may be required after cryoablation.

The need for surgery after cryoablation depends on various factors such as the size, location and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health and medical history.

In case of inadequate ablation: If the cryoablation procedure did not completely destroy the tumor, surgery may be required to remove any remaining cancerous tissue.

In case of recurrence: If there are signs of recurrence of the tumor on follow-up imaging, surgery may be required to remove the recurrent tumor.

In case of complications: If there are any complications from the cryoablation procedure such as bleeding, infection, or pain, surgery may be required to address these issues.

It's important to note that cryoablation is not a standard of care for breast cancer treatment and is usually used as a last resort for patients who are not eligible for surgery or radiation therapy. Cryoablation is typically used for small tumors or focal lesions.

It's always best to consult with your doctor to know if cryoablation is the right option for you and what the follow-up plan will be, including the need for surgery if any.