The fact that electrosurgical cutting is governed by factors that have no influence on steel scalpel cutting is responsible for discrepancies among the results of investigations of the modalities. The investigator's equal expertise in the use of both modalities is a prerequisite for accurate comparative investigations of the effects of electrosurgical and steel scalpel cutting. Eleven specific factors that govern the efficacy and quality of electrosurgical cutting and that can, therefore, ensure consistently reliable histologic results and accurate conclusions have been mentioned.