Omaha Hospital Performed First Breast Cryoablation
Patients with early-stage breast cancer in Omaha may now have a non-surgical treatment option available.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Cancer
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Would you choose a non-surgical cryoablation procedure over traditional surgery for early-stage breast cancer?
CHI Lakeside Hospital has completed the first cryoablation procedure for breast cancer in Nebraska. The technique offers an alternative to traditional surgery for certain patients with early-stage tumors.
Why it matters
This procedure provides a potential alternative to surgical mastectomy for specific early-stage breast cancer patients. It allows for localized treatment of tumors in a two-hour appointment under local anesthesia.
The clinical trial focuses on patients aged 60 and older with ER-positive invasive ductal carcinomas that are 15mm or smaller. While early-stage breast cancer has a 97-98% curability rate when detected, the effectiveness of this specific freezing technique is still being studied.
The players
Dr. Rakhshanda Rahman
A surgeon who has performed 40 cryoablation procedures nationally and conducted the first such surgery in Nebraska.
CHI Lakeside Hospital
An Omaha-based medical facility that has introduced local cryoablation services for breast cancer patients.
The details
The procedure uses a biopsy needle to inject liquid nitrogen directly into the tumor to freeze and destroy the cancerous tissue. During the process, saline is injected toward the skin to protect it from frostbite. The body then naturally breaks down and absorbs the devitalized tissue over time.
Timeline
In 2025, a patient discovered a new breast cancer lump.
The first cryoablation procedure in Nebraska took place by October 2026.
Health Landscape
This development follows a pattern set by the clinical trial for breast cryoablation, which seeks to reduce the reliance on invasive mastectomies. It reflects a broader shift in oncology toward targeted, localized treatments that minimize systemic impact for specific patient groups.
Patients who meet the age and tumor-size criteria should consult their physician about whether this trial-based treatment is a suitable option. Discussing these specific diagnostic metrics with your doctor can help you understand if non-surgical paths align with your personal care plan.
The takeaway
Cryoablation represents a new, less invasive pathway for treating early-stage, ER-positive breast cancer in older adults. If you have been diagnosed with a small tumor, talk to your doctor about the latest clinical trial criteria and whether you might be a candidate for this approach.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment options for local patients, visit the Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KETV.
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Would you choose a non-surgical cryoablation procedure over traditional surgery for early-stage breast cancer?
