Cryosurgery (cryoablation, CA) is intended to destroy tissue by applying extreme cold temperature. Electrolysis (electrolytic ablation, EA; or electrochemical therapy, EchT) is intended to destroy tissue by applying low-voltage direct current (LVDC). The Cryoelectricity is intended for tissue ablation by applying extreme cold temperature or low-voltage direct current.

An important advantage of cryosurgery is that the frozen tissue is visible under ultrasound imaging (US) and computer tomography (CT) as it is significantly lower in density than the unfrozen one. These imaging modalities are able to display the location and boundary of the target and frozen tissues. They are therefore used for guidance, monitoring and control of the procedure. That is, the ablation procedures must be monitored via image guidance to ensure adequate tissue coverage and avoid damage to adjacent structures.