electrosurgery

A procedure that uses a strong electric current to cut through tissue, to destroy abnormal cells or tissues (such as cancer cells) or to seal off blood vessels to stop bleeding.

Electrosurgery is divided into 3 groups based on what it does. For cutting, the electricity heats the tissue to cut through it. Cutting can be used to remove a tumour. For fulguration, the electricity is given as pulses or sparks to heat and destroy tissue. Fulguration can be used to destroy cancer cells over a wide area. For dessication, the electricity heats and dries out the tissue so it forms a mass. Dessication can be used to seal off blood vessels during surgery.