electrodesiccation /-des′ikā″shən/ [Gk, elektron + desiccare, to dry up] , a technique in electrosurgery in which tissue is destroyed by burning with an electric spark. It is used primarily for eliminating small superficial growths but may be used with curettage to eradicate abnormal tissue deeper in the skin or to stop bleeding. In the latter case, layers of skin may be burned, then successively scraped away. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
