What should you know about an electrosurgical unit (ESU)?

An ESU has a generator, controls, and an instrument that carries energy to the treatment site. Different settings produce different tissue effects: a focused current can cut, while another setting heats tissue to reduce bleeding or dry a superficial lesion. The clinician selects the approach according to the site and intended result. The equipment is not a diagnosis and should be used only after the skin problem has been assessed.

Tell the clinician about implanted electronic devices, medicines that affect clotting, allergies, and previous problems with wound healing or raised scars. Follow instructions about cleansing and anaesthetic. Keep the wound clean afterward, use the recommended dressing, and leave any crust undisturbed. Avoid direct sun and rubbing until the surface has recovered.

Call the clinic if pain or redness is worsening, the area becomes increasingly warm, or discharge develops. Seek urgent care for persistent bleeding, fever with spreading redness, marked swelling, severe pain, or breathing trouble. A lesion that returns, changes, or bleeds should be examined rather than repeatedly treated at home.

Ask what the ESU will do in your procedure, whether a sample will be examined, what wound changes are expected, and when normal washing, exercise, or cosmetics can resume.