cautère

Cautère refers to a method of destroying tissue through the application of heat, cold, or chemical agents. Historically, cauterization was a common surgical practice, often performed with heated metal instruments or fiery brands. The primary goal was to stop bleeding by sealing blood vessels, but it was also used to destroy diseased or infected tissue, and to relieve pain. The term "cautère" can also refer to the instrument used for cauterization, such as a cautery iron or a heated probe.

In modern medicine, the principles of cauterization are still employed, though often with more refined techniques and instruments. Electrocautery, which uses electrical current to generate heat, is widely used in surgery to cut tissue and control bleeding with greater precision and less damage to surrounding areas. Chemical cautery, using agents like silver nitrate, is utilized for specific applications such as wound treatment and wart removal. Cryocautery, employing extreme cold, is another modern application, frequently used in dermatology for the removal of skin lesions. While less common than in the past, cauterization remains a valuable tool in various medical fields due to its effectiveness in hemostasis and tissue ablation.