cryosurgery

American  

[krahy-oh-sur-juh-ree] / ˌkraɪ oʊˈsɜr dʒə ri /

noun

1. the use of extreme cold to destroy tissue for therapeutic purposes.

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cryosurgery British  

/ ˌkraɪəʊˈsɜːdʒərɪ /

noun

1. surgery involving the local destruction of tissues by quick freezing for therapeutic benefit

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Other Word Forms

• cryosurgical adjective

Etymology

Origin of cryosurgery

First recorded in 1960–65; cryo- + surgery

Example Sentences

On the day a reporter observed him, Mr. Fitzmaurice moved quickly through the visits, many of which entailed procedures like biopsies and cryosurgery.

From New York Times

McNulty underwent cryosurgery, a procedure that freezes the retina back to the eye.

From Washington Times

The 85-year-old New Yorker had cryosurgery and continues to follow Dr. Katz’s recommendations, so far with no evidence of cancer recurrence or spread.

From New York Times

Other basic treatment options include cryosurgery, or using liquid nitrogen to "freeze" the skin off, a simple surgical excision, laser treatments, and alternately scraping and burning the tumor.

From Seattle Times