FULGURATION

FULGURATION (from Latin fulguratio—flash, lightning), one of the methods of endovesical treatment of bladder tumors (papillomas) with high-frequency current through a cystoscope. From electrocoagulation, F. differs in that with the first method the active electrode is brought directly to the tumor, whereas with F. the electrode remains at some distance from the tumor. When the diathermy apparatus is turned on during F., small sparks are formed, directed from the end of the electrode to the tumor. The effect of F. consists in the gradual destruction of papilloma tissue. Sessions of F. are repeated every 5-7 days until the complete destruction of the entire tumor. The advantage of F. and electrocoagulation consists in the fact that with these treatment methods, recurrences (dissemination of the tumor), which are very often observed with bloody intervention, are as a rule avoided. In the USSR, as in most countries, F. however did not find such wide application as electrocoagulation. The latter method is technically simpler and gives greater effectiveness, since the destruction of the tumor occurs faster, and when the base of the tumor (pedicle) is destroyed, it allows for deeper action.