A surgical cauterizer includes an elongate body member having a tapered distal-end portion terminating at an apex. A cauterizing tip extends from the apex. A hollow passageway is formed in the interior of the elongate body member. Formed in the tapered distal-end portion of the elongate body member is at least one smoke intake port for providing a smoke evacuation pathway between a region proximate the cauterizing tip and the hollow passageway within the elongate body member. A tube connected to an outlet of the hollow passageway may provide a vacuum for evacuating the smoke generated by cauterization. In an embodiment, the elongate body member may include a first and second arms that define a forceps operable between an open position and a closed position.