CAUTERY Meaning and
Definition
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Cautery refers to a medical procedure that entails the application of heat or a specific instrument to burn or destroy tissues or bleeding vessels. It is a technique employed in various fields of medicine, including surgery and dermatology, for various purposes such as preventing bleeding, removing abnormal or unwanted tissue, or sealing off blood vessels.
The primary mechanism of cautery involves the controlled heat application, which can be achieved using different methods. One commonly used technique is the electric cautery, where an electrically heated wire or tool is used to burn the targeted tissue. Another approach is the use of chemical cautery, involving the application of a caustic substance, such as silver nitrate or trichloroacetic acid, to chemically destroy abnormal tissue.
The application of cautery can serve multiple purposes within different medical procedures. It can be used to stop bleeding during surgeries by sealing off blood vessels, reducing the risk of excessive bleeding and facilitating a more controlled operation. In dermatology, cautery is frequently used to remove skin growths, warts, or moles, as the heat helps to destruct and excise the unwanted tissue safely. Additionally, cautery is employed in the treatment of conditions such as epistaxis (nosebleed) or to remove varicose veins.
While cautery can be an effective medical intervention, it requires careful consideration and expertise due to its potential side effects. These may include pain, scarring, or unintentional damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Thus, cautery procedures are typically performed by trained medical professionals to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
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1. An agent used for scarring or burning the skin or tissues by means of heat or of caustic chemicals. 2. The destructive effect produced by a cauterizing agent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A burning or searing of living flesh with a hot iron, or by caustic medicine, so as to remove a diseased part.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CAUTERY
Etymology of CAUTERY
The word cautery has its roots in Latin and ultimately comes from the Latin word cautus, meaning burned or burnt. This word is derived from the past participle of the verb caedere, meaning to burn or to sear. In ancient Rome, cautery referred to the act of burning or searing tissue for medical or surgical purposes. The term was then adopted into various European languages, including Old French and Middle English, before being anglicized as cautery.
Similar spelling words for CAUTERY
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