Abstract: Cryotherapy apparatus for effecting localised cooling of body tissue comprises an intensively cooled hollow probe extending from a handle. Cooling of the probe is effected by refrigerant passed through a capillary tube in the probe to expand and evaporate in a chamber near the probe tip. Passages in the probe and handle serve to supply and exhaust refrigerant from the capillary tube and chamber respectively. In order to prevent excessive cooling of the handle, automatic means are provided which upon the handle temperature falling below a threshold value are arranged to energise a pressure reducing valve to restrict refrigerant flow to the probe and simultaneously energise heating elements provided at the entry of the valve and in the handle.