What Is Electrocautery?
An electrocautery is a device used to cut soft tissues using high frequency electric current, control bleeding, and make surgical interventions safer by burning tissues. It is often preferred in many areas, such as dermatology, plastic surgery, general surgery, and gynaecology. When in contact with tissues, the electrocautery transforms electrical energy into heat energy, vaporising the water content of the cells and providing coagulation (stopping the bleeding). This method is widely used in small-scale dermatological applications as well as in open surgical procedures.
What Are the Benefits of Electrocautery?
electrocautery offers many advantages in surgical and dermatological applications. Here are the most important benefits:
It controls the bleeding: it minimises blood loss due to its coagulation effect.
Reduces the risk of infection: It destroys bacteria by heating the tissue surface and provides sterilisation.
It provides sharp and controlled cutting: it helps the surgeon to clearly control the area in which he/she processes.
Reduces the need for stitches: Improvement can be achieved in small incisions and lesion removal procedures without the need for stitches.
It offers a rapid recovery process: with shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery, it allows patients to return to their normal lives more quickly.
It leaves a minimal trail: it leaves fewer scars as the cutting and burning process is controlled.
Reduces the duration of surgery: Because it provides rapid coagulation, surgical procedures are completed in a shorter period of time.
How Is Electrocautery Performed?
The application of an electrocautery may vary depending on the method used and the type of process. The following steps are followed during the process:
Evaluation of the patient: The area of application and the necessity of the procedure are determined by the doctor.
Application of anaesthesia: Local or general anaesthesia is preferred based on the size of the processing area. For small lesions, local anaesthesia is usually sufficient.
Sterilisation of the skin: In order to prevent the risk of infection, the processing site is cleaned with antiseptic solutions.
The use of an electrocautery device: The device is operated for the purpose of cutting (cut mode) or bleeding stop (coagulation mode) depending on the mode chosen.
Completion of the procedure: The cut or burned tissue area is cleaned and dressing is done and the patient is given care recommendations.
Following the recovery process: The patient is checked at certain intervals after the procedure and the recovery process is evaluated.