The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences, in collaboration with Steve Biko Academic Hospital, has conducted South Africa’s first cryoablation procedure in the public health sector. The milestone introduces an advanced cancer-treatment method to a setting where access to specialised medical interventions has historically been limited.
Cryoablation uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue, including certain cancers, through minimally invasive techniques. According to media reporting by Magic 828 (January 2026), the procedure can reduce post-operative pain, shorten hospital stays, and enable faster patient recovery compared to more invasive surgical approaches. The report noted that the intervention was carried out by a multidisciplinary team consisting of UP radiologists and urologists.
The procedure also incorporated international virtual collaboration. A specialist interventional radiologist based in Austria provided real-time proctoring through smart-glass technology during the operation. This allowed remote observation and technical guidance, demonstrating how digital tools can be integrated into clinical training and the implementation of new techniques.
While cryoablation has been available in parts of South Africa’s private health sector, its entry into a public hospital marks a shift in how advanced treatments may be deployed across different parts of the healthcare system. Public hospitals manage the largest share of the country’s patient load, especially for oncology and chronic disease, and typically face constraints related to equipment, staffing, and operating theatre capacity.
A student in the Health Sciences, who asked to remain anonymous, told PDBY that the milestone was both inspiring and reassuring. The student said witnessing the procedure reinforced confidence in UP as an institution actively contributing to medical innovation and real-world patient care. They added that the development offered renewed optimism about the potential of South Africa’s public healthcare system, noting that advanced and world-class treatment is not limited to the private sector. According to the student, the breakthrough strengthened their commitment to pursuing a career in medicine and highlighted the role healthcare professionals can play in advancing treatment beyond routine care. The student also said that the procedure could improve trust in public hospitals by expanding access to advanced, potentially life-saving treatments for patients who rely on the public system.
The introduction of cryoablation in this context aligns with ongoing national discussions about the expansion of specialised care, technology transfer, and the role of academic medical institutions in strengthening public health delivery. South Africa’s cancer burden continues to rise, placing additional pressure on diagnostic and treatment pathways. Developments within teaching hospitals contribute data and procedural experience that may inform future service planning.
The collaboration between UP and Steve Biko Academic Hospital forms part of an established teaching and training environment between the two institutions. The procedure adds to the clinical research and academic medicine being conducted there as work continues assessing the viability and broader applicability of cryoablation within the public sector.
Visual: Mila Jordaan
