The author discusses the history and development of electrosurgery, beginning with heat as used by ancient healers. The theory and the various types of electric current are discussed, with illustrative diagrams. The technic of use of different currents, including the desiccating, coagulating and cutting currents, is described together with the changes produced in the tissues.
Special and regional surgery in which electrosurgery is of particular value include conditions of the brain, the mouth and jaws, the bladder, the prostate and the rectum. In the parenchymatous viscera it is of great value in controlling hemorrhage. In infiltrating malignant growths it is of definite value by permitting thorough destruction without unnecessary mutilation and loss of blood.
The author has included a section in which the combination treatment of either the roentgen rays or radium and electric currents are used. This combination has proved of value in regions of the body where recurrence