Cryosurgical societies: a historical note.

Interest in cryosurgery developed quickly after modern cryosurgical apparatus became available early in the 1960s and a forum for the clinical reports was provided by the Society for Cryobiology at its annual meetings. The exchange of ideas made possible by interaction with the membership of the Society enhanced the scientific basis and expedited the subsequent evolution of the new cryosurgical techniques. In later years, especially in the 1970s, the increased use of cryosurgery in the diverse specialities of medicine stimulated the formation of cryosurgical societies on a national and international basis. The initial growth of these organizations was rapid, but recently the rate of acquisition of new members has slowed, though new national societies continue to form in areas where none previously existed. The progress in the development of cryosurgical techniques and apparatus has also slowed. To infuse some vitality in the specialty, collaborative interaction with cryobiologists and cryoengineers is essential. To provide this interaction, the efforts toward joint meetings of the disciplines merit renewed emphasis.