ELECTROCAUTERIZATION

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of abnormal or diseased tissue or control of bleeding in small blood vessels with controlled electric current.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin; blood vessels in surgical area.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Removal of lesions on the skin.
• Control of bleeding from small blood vessels during other surgeries.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH--None expected.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Family doctor, dermatologist, plastic and reconstructive surgeon or general surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, outpatient surgical facility or doctor's office.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS--Usually none.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia by injection.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION--Usually, a lesion is numbed with local anesthesia, and removed with a curette (See Glossary). Electrocauterization with an electric instrument destroys abnormal tissue that the curette does not remove.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Long healing time (2 to 3 weeks).

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--Usually none.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. The scab will drop off spontaneously and the scar should be small. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Apply non--prescription antibiotic ointment to the wound before applying new bandages.

MEDICATION--You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Avoid vigorous exercise for about 1 week after surgery, depending on other surgeries performed. Ask your doctor.
• Resume driving when able.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.