Which procedure uses an electric current to destroy tissue?

• A. Cryosurgery
• B. Biopsy
• C. Incision and Drainage
• D. Electrocautery

Answer: (D)

Using electric current to destroy tissue is electrocautery. This procedure delivers high-frequency electrical energy through a surgical instrument to heat the targeted tissue. The heat coagulates proteins, seals small blood vessels, and can ablate or destroy abnormal tissue, helping control bleeding and remove tissue as needed. Two common forms are monopolar, where current travels from the instrument through the body to a grounding pad, and bipolar, where energy passes between two tips in the instrument, concentrating heat at the tissue. This contrasts with other methods: cryosurgery destroys tissue by freezing, biopsy removes a tissue sample for testing, and incision and drainage creates an opening to drain an abscess—none of which rely on electric heat to destroy tissue.