Surgical cautery is a medical technique used to cut tissue or stop bleeding during surgery. It involves the use of heat generated by an electrical current or a chemical agent to achieve these effects. The heat can either vaporize the tissue or seal blood vessels, minimizing blood loss and promoting healing. There are two main types of surgical cautery: electrosurgery, which uses electrical energy, and thermal cautery, which employs heat from a heated instrument. Both methods are commonly used in various surgical procedures, including laparoscopic surgery and dermatological procedures, to enhance precision and reduce recovery time.