The detachable cryosurgical probe includes a disposable probe assembly and a reusable probe assembly. The disposable probe assembly includes a breakaway collar which, when twisted away, activates a finger lock element which provides release of the disposable probe assembly from the reusable probe assembly. Additional features include a safety valve assembly for impeding cryogenic working fluid flow when the disposable probe assembly is detached from the reusable probe assembly and an electrical confirmation assembly for providing electrical confirmation that the disposable probe assembly is connected. Other embodiments include a sliding mechanism that allows for selectively positioning of the vacuum tube relative to the shaft to create an ice ball of the desired size and configuration.