Electrosurgery

Abstract Electrosurgery (diathermy) has been in widespread use for many years. However, few surgeons understand its principles or dangers. This review explains the basic principles of electricity and electrosurgery and how the fundamental difference between them is the frequency of the alternating c...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Surgery (Oxford) 2008, Vol.26 (2), p.66-69
Main Author: Hay, David J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
burns
capacitance
diathermy
electricity
electrosurgery
general surgery
laparoscopy
Surgery
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Electrosurgery (diathermy) has been in widespread use for many years. However, few surgeons understand its principles or dangers. This review explains the basic principles of electricity and electrosurgery and how the fundamental difference between them is the frequency of the alternating current. The very-high frequency (radio-frequency) of the alternating current allows it to be passed through tissue without the risk of electrocution for the purposes of cutting and coagulation, but the same high frequency is associated with other dangers. The important concepts of capacitance and current density are explained and the danger of non-contract activation with high voltages is highlighted. The contribution explains how the tissue effect achieved is influenced by several factors, including the choice of electrode and the generator output mode. Although electrosurgical equipment may be inherently safe, the dangers arising from poor technique are discussed and recommendations for safe practice are made.
ISSN:0263-9319
1878-1764
DOI:10.1016/j.mpsur.2007.11.008