CT-Guided Cryoablation
CT-guided cryoablation is an image-guided procedure that uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, such as certain tumors, while CT scanning helps the physician place the treatment precisely.
["CT-guided cryoablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided technique that uses controlled freezing to treat targeted abnormal tissue."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106847-7
- Short code
- CT Guided Cryoablation
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Cryoablation
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What the Procedure Is
Cryoablation uses special probes inserted through the skin to deliver very cold gas, creating an ice ball that freezes and destroys the targeted tissue. Computed tomography (CT) is used throughout to guide probe placement and confirm that the treatment area is correctly positioned.
Why It May Be Used
Doctors may recommend this procedure for selected tumors or abnormal growths when surgery is not ideal, when the lesion is small and well defined, or when a minimally invasive option is preferred. The decision depends on the type, size, and location of the tissue being treated.
What to Expect
The procedure is typically done with local numbing and sometimes sedation. You may feel pressure or cold during treatment, and most people go home the same day or after a short observation period, depending on the site treated and your overall health.
Risks and Follow-Up
Common side effects can include discomfort, bruising, or mild bleeding at the probe site. More serious complications are uncommon but possible, so your care team will discuss risks specific to your case. Follow-up imaging is often scheduled to check how the treated area responds over time.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CT-guided cryoablation is used in selected patients to control or destroy localized abnormal tissue while sparing surrounding structures. Its success depends on appropriate patient selection, accurate imaging guidance, and follow-up monitoring to detect residual or recurrent disease.
Frequently asked questions
Is CT-guided cryoablation a type of surgery?
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
How will I know if the treatment worked?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy