General Hospital Pula performs first successful breast tumor cryoablations

The Department of Radiological Diagnosis at the General Hospital Pula has successfully performed its first two breast tumor cryoablation procedures. This modern, minimally invasive method destroys tumor tissue by applying extremely low temperatures.

Under ultrasound guidance, a thin needle known as a cryoprobe is precisely inserted into the tumor to create an ice ball that encompasses the cancerous tissue. The extreme cold damages the tumor cells, leading to their death. The procedure is performed through a small puncture in the skin without a traditional surgical incision, typically lasting about an hour under local anesthesia. Because it is minimally invasive, patients may even return home the same day.

Medical specialists Matija Pajić and Vinka Kos performed the procedures with professional support from Luke Novosela from the Clinical Hospital Centre Sestre milosrdnice. While this method expands therapeutic options, it is not a universal replacement for surgery; its use is decided on an individual basis depending on tumor size, characteristics, and clinical factors. It may be particularly beneficial for patients for whom traditional surgery poses higher risks due to comorbid conditions or anesthesia concerns.