cauterisation

Cauterisation is the deliberate burning of tissue to destroy or seal it. It is used to stop bleeding, remove diseased tissue, or create a scar that restricts tissue movement. The term refers to several techniques that use heat, chemicals, cold, or laser energy. The British spelling cauterisation is common in many countries, with cauterization as the American variant.

Common methods include thermal cautery, which uses a heated metal instrument or an electric current to burn tissue; chemical cautery, which applies caustic substances such as silver nitrate; cryocautery, which destroys tissue by freezing; and laser cautery, which uses focused light energy. Electrocautery and electrocoagulation are widely used in modern procedures to cut, coagulate, or seal tissue depending on the technique and settings.

Applications range from controlling hemorrhage during minor surgical procedures to removing warts and other skin lesions, excising polyps, and managing certain mucosal or ocular conditions. In dermatology, ENT, and gynecology, cautery is a common tool for tissue destruction and hemostasis, often performed under local anesthesia or in an operating setting.

Risks and complications include pain, scarring, infection, and unintended damage to adjacent tissue. Overuse or improper application can cause tissue necrosis or delayed healing. Smoke plumes generated during cautery can irritate the airways, so appropriate ventilation and protective measures are advised.

History indicates cautery has ancient origins, with later innovations such as electric cautery in the 19th century enabling more precise control over tissue effects. See also hemostasis, electrocautery, and laser therapy.