What is electrocautery? Let's talk about it simply!

Do you have a small mole, a tumor, or a mole on your skin? You may feel a little scared when your doctor tells you to remove it. It's normal to have a lot of questions like, "Will this burn? Will it hurt? Will it leave a big scar?" But don't worry. Electrocautery is a very safe and effective method used to remove these things. Today, we'll talk about everything clearly and simply.

So, what is electrocautery?

Simply put, electrocautery is a medical treatment that uses an electric current to apply heat to the tissues of our body. To be precise, this involves using a very small, electrically heated device to burn the tissue where necessary. But this is not something we burn at home. This is something that is done with great control, precision, and by a doctor.

This method is used for several main purposes:

• Stop bleeding from small blood vessels during surgery.
• Remove abnormal or diseased tissue.
• Remove unwanted skin growths.

What is the difference between electrosurgery and electrocautery?

Although these two words sound the same, there is a slight difference.

Electrosurgery is the general name for any surgical procedure that uses electricity . In some cases, the electric current passes directly through our bodies.

Electrocautery is a type of electrosurgery. The specialty of this is that the electric current does not pass through the body. Only the tip of the pen-like device is heated by the electricity. That heated tip is the one that directly touches the tissue. Therefore, it is often considered a safer method.

What are electrocautery used for?

This method is used for more things than you might think. It has many uses, from removing a small skin tag to performing major brain surgery. Let's take a look at the main uses.

How does this system work?

Think of it like a special pen that a doctor uses. Electricity is connected to this pen-like device (probe). Then, only the tip of it heats up to the required level. The doctor can control the temperature and the level of electrical energy to suit the treatment being performed.

There are two main ways to do this:

• Monopolar: This uses only one small electrode (tip).
• Bipolar: This is like a pair of forceps. It has two tips. This method is used when you need to treat a tissue while holding it.

What happens during treatment?

Depending on the reason you're doing this, the process may vary slightly.

When performed as part of a surgery

If this is done during a major operation, you will be unconscious (anesthetized) so you will not feel anything. The surgeon uses this device when he needs to stop bleeding or cut tissue during the operation.

In skin surface treatments

If you remove something like a piece of skin or a piece of flesh, this is what happens:

1. First, the doctor will numb the area to be treated. This may involve applying a numbing cream or giving a small injection. This will ensure that you don't feel any pain.

2. Sometimes a special gel is applied to the area to prevent skin burning.

3. To prevent yourself from getting electrocuted, you can attach something called a grounding pad to another part of your body (for example, your thigh). This will safely drain any excess electricity from your body.

4. Then, the doctor very carefully removes the wart, tumor, or mole with the pen-like device.

What are the advantages of this treatment method?

• Precision: The doctor can treat only the right area and the right amount, with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Speed: In most cases, treatment can be completed in a few minutes.
• High Effectiveness: Usually, the problem can be completely resolved in just one treatment session.
• Less blood loss: Since small blood vessels are closed during the treatment, there is almost no bleeding.

Are there any risk factors?

As with any medical procedure, there are some very small risks involved, but these are rare under the care of a skilled physician.

• Infections: Since the treated area looks like a wound, germs can spread if it is not kept clean.
• Burns: Burns can sometimes occur if the temperature of the device is not controlled. However, this is very unlikely.
• Effects on people with heart disease: If you have a pacemaker or ICD implanted, you should definitely inform your doctor before undergoing this treatment, as the use of electricity may slightly affect the functioning of these devices.
• Recurrence: Sometimes, especially when things like skin spots (moles) are removed, they can rarely grow back in the same place.

How long does it take to recover after treatment?

After a minor skin treatment, the healing process may look like this:

• A small scab will form at the treatment site. Do not pick or scratch this until it heals. It will fall off on its own. It may take two to three weeks to heal completely.
• The treated area may be slightly sore, swollen, or red for a few days. This pain can be controlled with a simple painkiller (ask your doctor).
• After healing, the skin may turn slightly white or dark for a few months. The area may also be sensitive to sunlight. This is usually temporary.
• If your doctor gives you a cream to apply to the area or other instructions, follow them exactly.

When do you want to see the doctor again?

If you have the following symptoms, inform the doctor who treated you immediately.

• If there is abnormal bleeding from the treated area.
• If the pain does not subside after a few days.
• If you see signs of infection (e.g., if the wound is red, swollen, feels hot to the touch, if there is pus coming out, or if you have a fever).

What do you think about devices that can be used at home?

You may have seen things like "cautery pens" sold online that claim to be able to remove warts and moles at home.

Electrocautery, Skin tag removal, Wart removal, Stop bleeding, Surgery, Dermatology treatment, Skin tag removal sinhala