RESUMO
The term electrosurgery refers to the passage of high-frequency alternating electrical current through the tissue, to achieve a specific surgical effect. It is used in everyday dermatologic practice for various purposes, including tissue dissection, bleeding control, and the removal of common skin lesions such as viral warts, melanocytic nevi, and cherry angiomas. Considering the nature of the device, adverse effects including skin burn and scarring can occur at any stage of the procedure. Therefore, it is essential that electrosurgery be performed by skilled and well-trained physicians. In this paper, we introduce a brief history of electrosurgery and present its categories and their clinical uses. In addition, the possible adverse effects and safety measures of electrosurgery are addressed.