Cauterization

It destroys some tissue in an attempt to mitigate bleeding and damage, remove an undesired growth, or minimize other potential medical harm, such as infections when antibiotics are unavailable.

Its utility before the advent of antibiotics was said to be effective at more than one level: Cautery was historically believed to prevent infection, but current research shows that cautery actually increases the risk for infection by causing more tissue damage and providing a more hospitable environment for bacterial growth.

[2] Actual cautery refers to the metal device, generally heated to a dull red glow, that a physician applies to produce blisters, to stop bleeding of a blood vessel, and for other similar purposes.

[3] The main forms of cauterization used today are electrocautery and chemical cautery—both are, for example, prevalent in cosmetic removal of warts and stopping nosebleeds.

The Babylonian Talmud (redacted in 500 AD), alluding to the practice, states: "... and the effect of the hot iron comes and removes the traces of the stroke.

"[11] While mainly employed to stop blood loss, it was also used in cases of tooth extraction and as a treatment for mental illness.

The electrically produced heat in this process inherently can do numerous things to the tissue, depending on the waveform and power level, including cauterize, coagulate, cut, and dry (desiccate).

The amount of heat generated depends on the size of contact area, power setting or frequency of current, duration of application, and waveform.

[18] Some cauterizing agents are: Frequent nosebleeds are most likely caused by an exposed blood vessel in the nose, usually one in Kiesselbach's plexus.

Cauterization methods include burning the affected area with acid, hot metal, or lasers.

The procedure is generally painless, but after the anesthetic wears off, there may be pain for several days, and the nose may run for up to a week after this treatment.