What is an ED&C procedure?
Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED&C) is a surgical procedure used for decades to remove certain skin lesions such as warts, angiomas, actinic keratosis, basal cell skin cancers, and squamous cell skin cancers. First, a small injection of local anesthetic is placed.
How long does ED&C take to heal?
A wound from Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED&C) typically takes 2-3 weeks to heal. If the treatment is performed on the lower extremities, the wound can take 2-3 months to fully heal.
How is Electrodesiccation done?
Scraping or burning-off skin growths (also known as electrodesiccation and curettage) can be used for less serious skin cancers, pre-cancers and benign growths. A local anesthetic is injected, and then the abnormal tissue is scraped off with a special tool. The area is then cauterized until bleeding stops.
What is Electrodesiccation used for?
A curettage and electrodesiccation, also known as a curettage and desiccation, is a skin cancer treatment used to remove basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. During the procedure, your doctor will scrape the affected skin surface with a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument).
How do you care for a wound after a curettage and Electrodesiccation?
Care Instructions:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before changing your dressing.
- Remove the old dressing, and wash the site with warm water and soap.
- Do not scrub the site.
- Pat the area dry with gauze or a tissue (does not have to be sterile)
- Cover the area with a thick ointment such as Vaseline or Aquaphor.
Is bleeding after a D&C Normal?
It is normal to have some spotting or light vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure. You may experience cramping for the first few days after a D&C. You may be instructed not to douche, use tampons, or have intercourse for two to three days after a D&C, or for a period of time recommended by your doctor.
Does Electrodessication cause scarring?
Depending on the body area, scarring with ED&C can be a downside. An ED&C leaves a cigarette or cigar-shaped circular scar that is typically hypopigmented (lighter in color) than surrounding skin. Sometimes the scar becomes thick and can be itchy or painful.
Is curettage and Electrodesiccation painful?
You may not feel pain during the procedure because of the numbing agent applied over the area. Once the anesthesia wears off, some amount of pain may be experienced because the procedure involves scraping of the tissue and sealing bleeding with cauterization (using the heating effect of electric current).
How long does it take for cauterized skin to heal?
Healing usually takes place within two to four weeks. It may take longer if a large area of tissue has been treated.
What should I do after Electrodessication?
How much does electrocautery cost?
The average direct cost was $597 for electrocautery, $833 for microdebrider, and $797 for coblator, a statistically significantly lower cost for electrocautery compared to the other two methods.
Is curettage the same as excision?
Both curettage and shave excision are minor surgical procedures to remove something from the skin. Curettage is used to ‘scrape off’ raised skin lesions using a sharp cup or ring- shaped tool, whereas shave excision is done by drawing the flat blade of a scalpel through a raised lesion, across the skin, to remove it.