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Electrocoagulation is a procedure that uses heat to seal blood vessels or tissues. It can be used to treat several conditions, including persistent gastrointestinal bleeding in the digestive tract.
During an electrocoagulation procedure, instruments that generate electricity are passed through a long, flexible tube (endoscope) into the body. These instruments burn or sear the irregular tissue, a process known as cauterization. Electrocoagulation may be used as the first treatment for a bleeding condition such as peptic ulcers or hemorrhoids. It may also be used after other treatments, such as polyp removal (polypectomy) to stop bleeding. Several electrocoagulation methods may be used. Bipolar electrocoagulation uses a device with two electrodes at the tip of a probe that create an electrical circuit. A heater probe contains wires that produce thermal energy almost instantly to coagulate tissue, or form a blood clot. Argon plasma coagulation is a newer type of electrocoagulation that allows the physician to seal irregular tissue without directly contacting the tissue. These procedures present relatively few health risks to the patient. | 
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