For a long time in gynecology and surgery, a method such as electrocoagulation has been used. What is it, not everyone knows. This method is performed to dissect some body tissues, cauterize cervical erosion , stop bleeding during surgery from small vessels, remove warts, and also polyps in the region of the external genitalia. After some time, electrocoagulation began to be used by cosmetologists and dermatologists. This method allows you to remove papillomas, warts, moles and other defects on the skin without consequences.
Electrocoagulation: what is it?
A similar treatment procedure is the surgical removal of neoplasms on the skin by temperature exposure to tissues with obvious pathology. This is done using alternating or direct current with high frequency. This is how electrocoagulation proceeds. What is it, you probably already understood. As a result of such exposure, precipitation and destruction of proteins is observed. This, in turn, leads to the destruction of pathological tissues and to the formation of a scab. If a high-frequency current is used, then a similar method has a slightly different name - diathermocoagulation.
The main types of exposure
When passing through living tissue, the mechanism of the influence of high-frequency current can be expressed by the following types of exposure:
- Physicochemical. The destruction of some physico-chemical bonds.
- Thermal. As a result of heating the tissues to high temperatures, a burn appears.
- Electro-dynamic. It manifests itself as a sharp rupture of tissues under the influence of steam, which is formed when the blood, lymph or interstitial fluid is heated.
- Biological A violation of bioelectric processes is observed, irritation of intact surrounding tissues occurs, which, in turn, stimulates the regeneration process.
Features of the procedure
We examined the essence of such a method as electrocoagulation. What is it, hope you figured it out. It remains to understand how the procedure is carried out. First of all, it should be remembered that only specialized clinics and beauty salons provide such services. At home, such procedures are not carried out. To remove neoplasms by a similar method, electrodes are used.
The electrocoagulation method, popular today, is carried out using an inactive electrode made in the form of a lead plate. Also, a foil can be used with this procedure. An inactive electrode is placed under the thigh, buttock and other parts of the body, and the active one is used for manipulations. The latter can be of completely different shapes. This can be a ball, curved or straight loop, needle, knife and so on. Both electrodes are connected to a device that operates in several modes and depending on the generated waves, and they are:
- Long. They have, as a rule, a cutting effect. Most often, this regimen is used to dissect subcutaneous structures and skin integuments. In addition, medical cosmetology uses this method to cut off and remove neoplasms that are pathological in nature. Most often, warts and moles that protrude above the surface of the skin and have a leg are removed in the same way.
- Short. They have a cauterizing effect. Medical cosmetology uses such waves to destroy flat birthmarks, telangiectasias, hemangiomas, papillomas, tattoos and genital warts.
How is the procedure
Electrocoagulation of papillomas, moles and other neoplasms can last only a few seconds. Before starting the procedure, the specialist must treat the area that will be under the influence of waves with a special antiseptic solution. Local anesthesia is also required . After all, the procedure is quite painful. A defect that protrudes above the surface of the skin, as a rule, is removed with an electrode in the form of a knife or a loop.
Flat neoplasms are removed by layering cauterization in several stages. For these purposes, usually use a flat electrode or in the form of a ball. Each layer is removed very carefully. If after removing the mole, papilloma and other neoplasms, a deepening appears, then the edges of the defect are also smoothed, and then cauterized. This procedure can take from 5 to 15 minutes.
Necrosis of point formations, for example, small-diameter telangiectasia, is carried out using an electrode in the form of a needle.
After the procedure
After removing the mole, wart and other neoplasms, it is necessary to carefully monitor the area of the skin that has been affected. As a result of the procedure, a scab may form. It must be treated with a five percent solution of potassium permanganate.
In no case should you remove the crust from the scab. Otherwise, a scar may form and suppuration may occur. Complete wound healing occurs 12 days after the procedure. During this period, the scab should fall off on its own. As a result, neither scars nor scars remain at the neoplasm site.
Benefits
Electrocoagulation of warts, moles, hemangiomas and other formations on the skin, like any procedure, has its own disadvantages and advantages. Among the advantages of this method should be highlighted such as:
- Efficiency of application and simplicity in execution.
- The relatively low cost of carrying out such a procedure, as well as equipment.
- Minor injuries and safety.
- The ability to remove defects on any part of the body.
- There is no need to prepare the patient in advance.
- The possibility of conducting a session on an outpatient basis, as well as the simultaneous procedure.
- The ability to visually control not only the area, but also the depth of exposure.
- Since coagulation of small vessels is carried out together with the procedure, bleeding is excluded.
- If necessary, a remote education can be sent for histological examination in the future.
- Excluded infection, as well as getting into neighboring tissues and blood of cancer cells.
The main disadvantages and contraindications
Among the shortcomings of electrocoagulation, it is worth highlighting:
- Local anesthesia.
- Frequent processing of the damaged area.
- Tissues located near the defect will also be involved in the thermal reaction.
- Painful lasting sensations.
Do not forget that after electrocoagulation complications can occur. It should also be noted that the procedure has contraindications. This method of removing defects is not suitable for those who have epilepsy and other psychological abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, suspected malignant neoplasms, herpetic eruptions, infectious diseases in the acute phase, any blood diseases, and so on. Before using electrocoagulation, consult a specialist.