Elektrokauterizálás

Elektrokauterizálás, also known as electrocautery or electric cautery, is a medical procedure that uses a heated electric current to burn or destroy tissue. This method is employed for various purposes in surgery and dermatology, primarily to achieve hemostasis (stopping bleeding) or to excise unwanted tissue.

The principle behind elektrokauterizálás involves the resistance of body tissues to the passage of high-frequency electrical current. As the current flows through the tissue, it generates heat, leading to the coagulation and destruction of cells. The heat can be applied through different modalities, including monopolar and bipolar devices. Monopolar devices use a single electrode to deliver current, with the current returning through a separate grounding pad on the patient. Bipolar devices use two electrodes, allowing the current to flow directly between them, which is often preferred for delicate tissues or when precise control is needed.

Elektrokauterizálás is utilized in a wide range of medical interventions. In surgery, it is a common method for controlling bleeding from small blood vessels during an operation, thereby improving visibility and reducing blood loss. Dermatologists use it for removing skin lesions such as warts, moles, and skin tags. It can also be employed to seal small wounds or to treat certain vascular abnormalities.

While generally safe and effective, elektrokauterizálás carries some risks. These can include burns to surrounding healthy tissue if not applied precisely, infection, scarring, and, in rare cases, nerve damage. Proper technique and patient selection are crucial for minimizing these potential complications. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used for more extensive applications.