Which term describes using sparks to destroy superficial tissue without contact?

Which term describes using sparks to destroy superficial tissue without contact?

• A. Electrocautery
• B. Cryosurgery
• C. Laser Ablation
• D. Fulguration

Answer: (D)

Fulguration describes using sparks to destroy superficial tissue without contact. The idea is to deliver energy through an electrical arc that jumps from a high-frequency electrode to the tissue with a small gap between them. That arc rapidly heats the surface layers, causing desiccation and coagulation of the superficial tissue while sparing deeper structures. Because the energy is delivered by sparks in air rather than by a heated instrument touching the tissue, it’s a non-contact, surface-focused approach. Electrocautery, in contrast, uses heat generated by current passing through a tool that is in direct contact with tissue, producing thermal effect by contact. Cryosurgery destroys tissue by freezing, not by electric sparks. Laser ablation uses focused light energy to vaporize or coagulate tissue and is not defined by sparking.

Fulguration describes using sparks to destroy superficial tissue without contact. The idea is to deliver energy through an electrical arc that jumps from a high-frequency electrode to the tissue with a small gap between them. That arc rapidly heats the surface layers, causing desiccation and coagulation of the superficial tissue while sparing deeper structures. Because the energy is delivered by sparks in air rather than by a heated instrument touching the tissue, it’s a non-contact, surface-focused approach.

Electrocautery, in contrast, uses heat generated by current passing through a tool that is in direct contact with tissue, producing thermal effect by contact. Cryosurgery destroys tissue by freezing, not by electric sparks. Laser ablation uses focused light energy to vaporize or coagulate tissue and is not defined by sparking.