Cryosurgery of the anus.

To further study the effectiveness of cryosurgery of the anus, cryolesions were produced in the rectum of pigs and healing was followed by microangiography and histologic study. In addition, cryosurgery was used on 105 patients (35 as outpatients) with anal pathologic lesions. Results demonstrated that cryosurgery is an effective method of curing most anal lesions. Since the method produced partial anesthesia, postoperative pain was decreased. The cryolesions healed rapidly and well, without major complications. The experimental work demonstrated destruction of the submucosal veins without distortion of muscles or excessive scarring. The mucosa sloughed but healed within two weeks. Cryosurgery makes office hemorrhoidectomy a reality.