What is percutaneous cryotherapy?
Percutaneous cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys tumour cells by freezing them, using needles inserted directly into the tumour under CT scanner guidance. It offers an effective alternative to surgery for patients where other treatments may not be suitable.
Our thoracic surgery specialists are experienced in delivering this treatment with CT-guided precision, with the procedure performed under either conscious sedation or general anaesthetic depending on what is most appropriate for each patient.
Our specialists provide percutaneous cryotherapy at Harefield and Royal Brompton hospitals, two of the UK’s leading centres for complex lung care.
Experts in percutaneous cryotherapy
Our surgeons provide:
- short-notice appointments, in as little as 24 hours
- fast and accurate diagnosis
- quick access to treatment
Benefits of percutaneous cryotherapy
Your doctor will discuss the intended benefits of this treatment with you prior to admission. The objective of the procedure is to eradicate the known tumour or to shrink it to minimise the effect it has on you.
Percutaneous cryotherapy risks
The most common and important risks are:
- Pneumothorax – in other words ‘air in the chest’ – which can act to collapse part or all, of the lung. This happens in about 20 per cent (20 out of every 100) of people who undergo the procedure to some degree, but most do not need any treatment. In those who do, a small drain is inserted into the chest to drain away the air and re-inflate the lung. This will be done either during or after the procedure as required and can be done using local anaesthetic. You may be required to stay in hospital if this happens
- Haemoptysis – in other words ‘coughing up some blood’ – occasionally occurs in approximately 5 per cent of patients (5 out of every 100) for a day or so after the procedure and is usually stops without treatment
- Infection – can occur after ablation – this happens in less than 1 in 100 patients with normal lungs and approximately 5 in 100 patients with advanced lung disease. If so, you will be given antibiotics during your ‘pre-med’ and for up to a week afterwards. Please ensure you advise all staff of any allergies you have
If you would like to discuss the risks and benefits of percutaneous cryotherapy, we can help. Contact our team to arrange an appointment with one of our thoracic surgery specialists.
Are there any alternatives to this procedure?
There are a number of alternative treatments available, including:
- surgery
- radiotherapy
- chemotherapy
- radiofrequency ablation
- microwave ablation
These should all have been discussed with you at your outpatient appointment, including why it was felt by the multi-disciplinary team that cryotherapy was the most appropriate treatment choice for you. If you have any further questions, please ask your doctor.
What would be the effects of no treatment?
It is likely that the tumour will increase in size with an increasing likelihood that it may spread to other organs in the body.
Reviewed regularly to reflect clinical best practice
Last reviewed: 19 June 2026
Locations
Our thoracic surgery specialists provide this service at the following hospitals:
Meet our thoracic surgery specialists
At Guy’s and St Thomas’ Specialist Care, we have several consultants with expertise in the area who are able to offer percutaneous cryotherapy to private patients.