Cryoablation of lung malignancies recurring close to surgical clips following surgery: Report of three cases

BACKGROUND: Minimally ablative therapies are now available for the treatment of lung malignancies. However, selection of the appropriate technique is not always easy and requires accurate preoperative planning. AIMS: To describe the treatment of lung tumors with cryoablation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We report three cases of lung malignancies that recurred close to surgical clips after surgical treatment, successfully treated by cryoablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An initial freezing cycle was performed for 10 min, followed by a 5-min thawing cycle, and an additional 10-min freezing cycle. A final 5-min thaw was necessary to remove the needle from the iceball formed during the freezing cycle. RESULTS: The procedures were completed successfully with no signs of surgical-clip misplacement, and excellent ablation of the lesions. CONCLUSION: Cryoablation is a relatively new procedure that potentially permits the local treatment of lung tumors with minimal loss of lung parenchyma.