Evaluation of insulating materials used during cryosurgery

Abstract

During the performance of cryosurgery it is of paramount importance to protect surrounding normal tissue from injury during the freezing process. This study evaluates three different insulating materials that are commonly used: petrolatum gauze, wooden tongue depressors, and styrofoam. To measure the effectiveness of these different insulators, the temperature gradient that developed across these barriers during a freezing cycle was measured. Five separate trials were carried out with each of the insulators, and the grafts demonstrated the results of these experimental trails. The superior insulator was styrofoam. Significant protection was afforded by wood and little protection by the layers of petrolatum gauze. In spite of the similarity in protection offered by the styrofoam and wood insulators, styrofoam is superior because of its flexibility. Our studies indicate that styrofoam is the best and most practical insulator to use during cryosurgical procedures in the head and neck area.