Skip to main content
 
Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.org. We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Stanford Health Care

Risks

Our Approach to MRI-Guided Cryoablation

Cryoablation freezes and destroys cancer cells, noncancerous tumors, and abnormal tissues. At Stanford Health Care, we couple cryoablation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to precisely target abnormal growths while sparing healthy tissue. MRI-guided cryoablation involves fewer side effects and a lower risk of complications than open surgery.

900 Blake Wilbur Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-498-6148

What We Offer You for MRI-Guided Cryoablation

  • World-renowned expertise from doctors who are leaders in using MRI-guided therapies for targeted, customized treatment.
  • Highly specialized treatment that safely and effectively eliminates cancer and removes noncancerous tumors with minimal risks and side effects.
  • Team approach to care with skilled interventional radiologists and oncologists who collaborate on your behalf. You receive complete, compassionate care.

What Is MRI-Guided Cryoablation?

Risks and Side Effects of MRI-Guided Cryoablation

Our doctors specialize in MRI-guided therapies, so you can feel confident in their expertise. In addition, we use the latest technology for precise diagnoses and effective treatments. This procedure requires you to remain in the same position for several hours, so you may experience temporary discomfort.

Since MRI-guided cryoablation does not require surgery or radiation, patients usually have few side effects. But any treatment has risks. Potential risks and side effects with MRI-guided cryoablation may include:  

  • Bruising, infection, or bleeding in the treated area
  • Damage to nerves or skin
  • Temporary pain and swelling of the skin

When used to treat prostate cancer, MRI-guided cryoablation can lead to erectile dysfunction  or urinary incontinence. These side effects are rare.

What to Expect With MRI-Guided Cryoablation

MRI-guided cryoablation can take up to four hours, and you will likely go home the same day. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after:

  • Before

  • During

  • After

Before the Procedure

  • You may need tests to confirm you’re a good candidate for MRI-guided cryoablation.
  • Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.
  • Depending on the procedure, you may need to empty your bowels and fast beforehand. Your doctor will provide specific preparation instructions.
  • You need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

During the Procedure

  • You receive general anesthesia and are asleep during the procedure.
  • Your doctor inserts thin needles into the area to be treated.
  • We position you in the MRI machine. Using MRI technology, your doctor sees the tumor (or abnormal tissue) and surrounding areas in high resolution.
  • Through the needles, your doctor freezes and kills the abnormal tissue. We closely monitor temperatures and use warm water to help protect surrounding healthy tissue.
  • While you are still in the MRI machine, your doctor views the treated area to confirm that the tumor is gone.

After the Procedure

  • You will likely go home the same day.
  • If you received treatment for prostate cancer, you may need to use a catheter for up to a week to help with urination. We may prescribe medications to help with pain and prevent catheter complications.
  • You can return to work and other activities within a few days.
  • Your doctor will let you know when you should return for follow-up visits.
  • We continue ongoing monitoring with in-person or video visits, blood tests, and MRI imaging. You may also need additional biopsies of the treated area.
Before

Before the Procedure

  • You may need tests to confirm you’re a good candidate for MRI-guided cryoablation.
  • Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.
  • Depending on the procedure, you may need to empty your bowels and fast beforehand. Your doctor will provide specific preparation instructions.
  • You need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

close Before
During

During the Procedure

  • You receive general anesthesia and are asleep during the procedure.
  • Your doctor inserts thin needles into the area to be treated.
  • We position you in the MRI machine. Using MRI technology, your doctor sees the tumor (or abnormal tissue) and surrounding areas in high resolution.
  • Through the needles, your doctor freezes and kills the abnormal tissue. We closely monitor temperatures and use warm water to help protect surrounding healthy tissue.
  • While you are still in the MRI machine, your doctor views the treated area to confirm that the tumor is gone.

close During
After

After the Procedure

  • You will likely go home the same day.
  • If you received treatment for prostate cancer, you may need to use a catheter for up to a week to help with urination. We may prescribe medications to help with pain and prevent catheter complications.
  • You can return to work and other activities within a few days.
  • Your doctor will let you know when you should return for follow-up visits.
  • We continue ongoing monitoring with in-person or video visits, blood tests, and MRI imaging. You may also need additional biopsies of the treated area.

close After
Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-498-6148