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2000
• Bowen's Disease (Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ): These lesions respond to the same techniques for
basal cell carcinomas. Since these lesions may extend further laterally than they clinically appear, anesthesia
should extend one to two centimeters beyond the visible lesions.
• Bowenoid Papulosis: Occurring on the genitals, these papules respond to electrofulguration.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The same techniques are again employed as with basal cell carcinoma. You
should only treat lesions arising in sun-damaged areas. Squamous cell carcinomas arising in non-sun-
exposed skin and in mucous membranes are more aggressive biologically.
Plastic Surgery
Many surgeons use the HYFRECATOR® 2000 for hemostasis in plastic and reconstructive surgery. It saves
time and produces minimal tissue reaction compared to other methods. Coagulation occurs by touching each
bleeding point with an electrodesiccating current. Because blood will dissipate the energy, a sponge should
be used prior to application.
Gynecology
• Vaginal Cysts: Treat these cysts by first excising an oval strip and emptying the contents, then use a strong
desiccating current to cauterize the interior. Gartner cysts extending near the vault and alongside the cervix
respond to this method.
• Condylomata of the Vulva: You can effectively destroy these warts as you would destroy the various types
of warts on the surface of the body. (see Venereal Warts under Dermatology and Urology).
• Cervical Polyps: Cervical polyps up to two centimeters in diameter respond to desiccation of the base
without the need for a local anesthetic. If shallow, a fulgurating spark may blanch them thoroughly.
Polyps extending into the cervical canal may require more than one treatment. Remember that
endocervical and intrauterine polyps may be present. Dilation and curettage of the uterine cavity under
general anesthesia may be indicated. As with all such lesions, preliminary biopsy is advisable.
• Pruritus Vulvae: By fulgurating the entire surface using a strong current, excellent results can be achieved.
Take care to prevent urethral stenosis.
• Urethral Tumors: The majority of urethral tumors are benign and respond readily to desiccation.
However, treatment should be thorough to avoid recurrence.
• Cervical Erosion: Many cervical erosions are asymptomatic and require no treatment. However, if the
erosions produce symptoms such as increased discharge or pain, you should treat them effectively with
desiccation, fulguration or coagulation. Typically, this is done without the need for a local anesthetic.
• Cervicitis: A strong desiccating current effectively destroys the entire infected mucosa, although more
than one treatment is usually necessary.
• Bartholin's Cysts or Abscesses: Aspiration alone may cure the condition, if this fails, incise the cyst or
abscess, evacuate its contents and coagulate the cyst wall using a fulgurating spark. Recurrent cysts
respond to marsupialization.
• Nabothian Cysts: Puncture these infected glands and cysts with a sharp needle point, then desiccate.
• Skene's Glands: Insert a sharp point into the abscess or cyst, then desiccate using a strong current. The
wound closes by granulation.
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