Before revision: Its utility before the advent of antibiotics was said to be effective at more than one level: To prevent exsanguination To close amputations Cautery was historically believed to prevent infection , but current research shows that cautery actually increases the risk for infection by causing more tissue damage and providing a more hospitable environment for bacterial growth .Actual cautery refers to the metal device, generally heated to a dull red glow, that a physician applies to produce blisters, to stop bleeding of a blood vessel, and for other similar purposes., page 16.
After revision: Its utility before the advent of antibiotics was said to be effective at more than one level: To prevent exsanguination To close amputations Cautery was historically believed to prevent infection .Actual cautery refers to the metal device, generally heated to a dull red glow, that a physician applies to produce blisters, to stop bleeding of a blood vessel, and for other similar purposes., page 16.