Let's learn about electrosurgery in a simple way!

When you go to a doctor to remove a small mole or tumor from your skin, you may have seen him or her 'scrape' it with a small instrument. At that time, you may smell a little smoke and a burning smell. Many people think that this is a laser treatment. But it is actually a special treatment that uses electricity. We call this electrosurgery. Although the name may sound a little scary, this is a very safe and advanced medical technology. Today, we will talk about it simply.

Simply put, what is electrosurgery?

Electrosurgery is simply the use of controlled electrical currents to perform surgery. It can accomplish three main things:

1. Cutting: This method is used to cut tissue, just like a surgical knife.

2. Destroying tissue: Used to destroy an unwanted growth on the skin, such as a mole or a wart.

3. Stopping bleeding: This is used to instantly stop bleeding by 'sealing' a blood vessel that is bleeding from a cut.

There is a special machine called an Electrosurgical Unit (ESU) for this purpose. The electricity from this machine is connected to a small device called an electrode that the doctor uses. When this electrode is placed near your treatment area (for example, your armpit), the intense heat generated by the electricity destroys or cuts the tissue in question.

What are the different methods of this treatment?

This electrosurgery method is not done in just one way. There are various methods used depending on the need. Let's look at these in this way to make them easier to understand.

Is electrocautery different?

Yes, there is a slight difference. Many people confuse the two. In the above methods, electricity passes through the body's tissues. But in electrocautery, electricity is used to heat only the tip of the electrode. Then, the heated tip is applied to the tissue to destroy the tissue. Here, electricity does not pass through the body.

What conditions is electrosurgery used for?

This technology is used in many fields of medicine.

• For skin diseases: This is most commonly used by dermatologists. It is very effective in removing benign skin growths, warts, and skin tags.
• For skin cancer: This method is also used to treat some types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This involves first scraping away the cancerous layer with a sharp instrument (curettage), and then electrosurgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
• Other surgeries: This method is used in surgeries such as endoscopy (using a camera to look inside the body) to remove small tumors and polyps inside the body and to stop bleeding.

What actually happens during treatment?

First, you are given anesthesia to numb the area so you don't feel any pain. What happens next depends on the method used. There are two main methods.

Monopolar method

This is the method most often used. "Mono" means "one". This means that only one electrode tip is applied to your body.

• Electricity from the ESU machine comes to the active electrode.
• When this electrode is touched to the treatment area, electricity travels through the tissues of your body.
• The electricity then travels to a passive electrode (dispersive electrode) that is attached to another part of the body. This is like an "earth plate." This could be a pad that you stick to your thigh.
• Finally, the electricity from that inactive electrode goes back to the ESU machine, completing the circuit.

Bipolar method

"Bi" means "two." Here, two electrode tips are applied to your body. Think of it as a forceps-like device. Electricity enters from one side and exits from the other.

• Electricity from the ESU machine comes to the working electrode.
• The electricity travels through the tissue and goes to the electrode on the other side of the same hole.
• The electricity doesn't travel far through the body, it just travels between the two ends of the needle and then back to the ESU machine. This is used for very delicate surgeries.

What are the advantages of this treatment method?

This method has several advantages over cutting with a regular surgical knife.

• There is very little damage to surrounding tissue, and only the targeted area can be treated.
• Scarring is very rare.
• Can quickly destroy (ablate) tissue.
• Bleeding can be stopped instantly. This is one of the biggest advantages.

Are there any risks in this?

Electrosurgery is a very safe procedure when performed by an experienced doctor. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some minor risks. Let's take a look at what doctors do to prevent them.

How long will it take to heal? When should I see a doctor?

The healing time depends on the depth of the treatment.

• If a small growth on the skin, such as a mole, is removed, it can take about a week for the wound to heal.
• If it's a deeper wound, it could take two to four weeks or more.

The doctor will explain to you the recovery time based on your condition.

When to call your doctor:

If, after a skin treatment, you have applied pressure to the wound for 20 minutes and the bleeding does not stop , you should definitely call your doctor. Also, if the wound shows signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, pus) and is not healing as expected, seek medical advice immediately.

Is this the same as laser surgery?

No. These are two completely different technologies.

• Electrosurgery uses electrical energy .
• Laser surgery uses light energy .

Although both of these techniques can cut, destroy tissue, and stop bleeding, the principles on which they operate are different.

Ultimately, electrosurgery is a safe and effective way to treat a variety of conditions using the healing power of heat. You may be able to see this while your tumor is being removed. You may not even be aware that this technique was used because you are under anesthesia during a major procedure, such as an endoscopy. However, remember that doctors are working diligently to keep you safe during this treatment.