Electrocoagulation

Electrocoagulation is a part of surgical diathermy (high-frequency surgery). In this procedure, a high-frequency alternating current coagulates body tissue.

For vessel coagulation, it is recommended to use bipolar forceps. In practice, however, all forms of active electrodes can be used, e.g. fine needle electrodes for epilation, ball and plate electrodes for welding bleeding vessels and oozing blood. It is important to keep the surface of the electrode clean at all times, as a crust of burned tissue and blood debris insulates the electrode surface and can lead to sparking and charring of the contact surfaces. Electrocaustic ablation with a snare is a commonly used procedure for the treatment of condylomata acuminata. In this procedure, the condylomas are ablated at their base; if hemostasis is necessary, it can be subsequently performed with the electric bullet.

During electrodesiccation and electrofulguration, a fine spark current flows from the electrode into the skin. In electrofulguration, the electrode is held close to the skin; in electrodesiccation, the electrode touches the tissue.