Editing Cauterization (section)

==Electrocautery==
{{Redirect-distinguish|Electrocautery|Electrosurgery}}
[[Image:Electrocauter 00.jpg|thumb|Electrocauter]]
Electrocauterization is the process of destroying tissue (or cutting through soft tissue) using [[heat conduction]] from a metal probe heated by electric current. The procedure stops bleeding from small vessels (larger vessels being [[Ligature (medicine)|ligated]]). Electrocautery applies high frequency alternating current by a ''[[unipolar generator|unipolar]]'' or ''[[bipolar electricity transmission|bipolar]]'' method. It can be a continuous [[waveform]] to cut tissue, or intermittent to coagulate tissue.

The electrically produced heat in this process inherently can do numerous things to the tissue, depending on the waveform and power level, including cauterize, coagulate, cut, and dry (desiccate). Thus electrocautery, electrocoagulation, electrodesiccation, and electrocurettage are closely related and can co-occur in the same procedure when desired. [[Electrodesiccation and curettage]] is a common procedure.

===Unipolar===
In unipolar cauterization, the physician contacts the tissue with a single small electrode. The circuit's exit point is a large surface area, such as the buttocks, to prevent electrical burns. The amount of heat generated depends on the size of contact area, power setting or frequency of current, duration of application, and waveform. A constant waveform generates more heat than intermittent. The frequency used in cutting the tissue is higher than in coagulation mode.

===Bipolar===
Bipolar electrocautery passes the current between two tips of a forceps-like tool. It has the advantage of not disturbing other electrical body rhythms (such as the heart) and also coagulates tissue by pressure. Lateral thermal injury is greater in unipolar than bipolar devices.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Sabiston textbook of surgery |isbn = 978-1-4377-1560-6|page = 235|edition = 19th|year = 2012|last1 = Sabiston|first1 = David C.| publisher=Elsevier Saunders }}</ref>

Electrocauterization is preferable to chemical cauterization, because chemicals can leach into neighbouring tissue and cauterize outside of intended boundaries.<ref>See R. McElroy{{missing long citation|date=January 2025}} for details of various operations and the unintended effects of chemical cauterization</ref> Concern has also been raised regarding toxicity of the [[surgical smoke]] electrocautery produces. This contains chemicals that, through inhalation, may harm patients or medical staff.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1007/s00464-011-1872-1 |title=A single-blind controlled study of electrocautery and ultrasonic scalpel smoke plumes in laparoscopic surgery |year=2011 |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=J. Edward F. |last2=Malik |first2=Momin |last3=Ahmed |first3=Irfan |journal=Surgical Endoscopy |volume=26 |issue=2 |pages=337–342 |pmid=21898022|s2cid=10211847 }}</ref>

[[Ultrasound|Ultrasonic]] coagulation and ablation systems are also available.