Cauterizing

Cauterizing is the deliberate burning of tissue to destroy cells, coagulate blood, or seal a wound. It is used to achieve hemostasis, remove or destroy abnormal tissue, and promote closure of wounds. The procedure can be performed using heat, electrical current, or chemical agents, and the method chosen depends on the tissue, location, and desired effect.

There are several forms of cauterization. Thermal or heat cautery uses a heated instrument, a laser, or a radiofrequency device to burn tissue directly. Electrical cautery can be applied as electrocautery, where a heated electrode coagulates tissue, or as electrocoagulation, where the current passes through tissue to achieve coagulation. Chemical cauterization employs caustic agents such as silver nitrate or ferric chloride to chemically burn and destroy tissue. Laser cauterization uses focused light energy to coagulate or ablate tissue with precision. Although related, these approaches differ in mechanism, depth of effect, and surrounding tissue impact.

Indications include stopping bleeding during minor surgeries or dental procedures, destroying warts or precancerous lesions, removing polyps or abnormal mucosa, and sealing mucosal surfaces. Cauterization is also used in dermatology, otolaryngology, gynecology, and veterinary medicine.

Risks and limitations include damage to nearby tissue, scarring, infection, and pain. Overheating can cause excessive tissue destruction or burns; inadequate coagulation may fail to control bleeding. Procedures are typically performed by trained professionals under sterile conditions, often with local anesthesia and postoperative wound care.

Historically, cautery dates to ancient medicine, evolving from heated metal implements to modern electrical and laser techniques in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today it remains a common tool in surgical and medical practice.