Monopolar Pencil Handswitch

Electrocauterization is the process of destroying tissue using heat conduction from a metal probe heated by electric current (much like arc welding). The procedure is used to stop bleeding from small vessels (larger vessels being ligated) or for cutting through soft tissue. Unlike electrocautery, electrosurgery is based on generation of heat inside tissue, using electric current passing through the tissue itself. Electrocautery is used in the treatment of skin cancers via electrodessication and curettage. Electrocauterization is preferable to chemical cauterization because chemicals can leach into neighbouring tissue and cauterize outside of the intended boundaries.