<P> Cauterization (or cauterisation, or cautery) is a medical practice or technique of burning a part of a body to remove or close off a part of it . It destroys some tissue in an attempt to mitigate bleeding and damage, remove an undesired growth, or minimize other potential medical harm, such as infections when antibiotics are unavailable . </P> <P> The practice was once widespread for treatment of wounds . Its utility before the advent of antibiotics was said to be effective at more than one level: </P>

When do you need to cauterize a wound