There are several mechanisms of cell destruction during cryosurgery. First, if the cells are cooled slowly, water leaves the cells, resulting in high concentrations of toxic electrolytes. Second, if the rate of freeze is carried out too quickly, the formed ice crystals are small and less damage-producing. During the thaw, if the phase change occurs too quickly, all ice simply melts. If thaw rates are slow, the ice crystals elongate as smaller crystals melt and refreeze to their neighbors, causing cell wall rupture. Lastly, when metabolism continues simultaneously to the ice blocking the cell’s nutrient supply and waste disposal, cell death occurs.