ELECTROSURGERY

ELECTROSURGERY

Electrosurgery employs high-frequency electrical current to assist in making surgical incisions, dissection of tissue and achieving haemostasis. Its widespread use in open, laparoscopic and intraluminal endoscopic surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate have made it an indispensable part of the surgeon’s armamentarium. It is therefore vital for a surgeon to have a sound understand - ing of the principles of electrosurgery to facilitate safe surgery ( Summary box 7.9 ). Summary box 7.9 - Safe electrosurgery - /uni25CF /uni25CF - /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF e - /uni25CF -

Always check diathermy setting before use Use the safest, lowest diathermy current setting Be careful when diathermy is used near other metallic instruments Employ the diathermy intermittently and for brief spells Use bipolar diathermy and advanced vessel-sealing devices where appropriate Smoke extractors to remove bio-aerosolised particles are essential

ELECTROSURGERY

Electrosurgery employs high-frequency electrical current to assist in making surgical incisions, dissection of tissue and achieving haemostasis. Its widespread use in open, laparoscopic and intraluminal endoscopic surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate have made it an indispensable part of the surgeon’s armamentarium. It is therefore vital for a surgeon to have a sound understand - ing of the principles of electrosurgery to facilitate safe surgery ( Summary box 7.9 ). Summary box 7.9 - Safe electrosurgery - /uni25CF /uni25CF - /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF e - /uni25CF -

Always check diathermy setting before use Use the safest, lowest diathermy current setting Be careful when diathermy is used near other metallic instruments Employ the diathermy intermittently and for brief spells Use bipolar diathermy and advanced vessel-sealing devices where appropriate Smoke extractors to remove bio-aerosolised particles are essential

ELECTROSURGERY

Electrosurgery employs high-frequency electrical current to assist in making surgical incisions, dissection of tissue and achieving haemostasis. Its widespread use in open, laparoscopic and intraluminal endoscopic surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate have made it an indispensable part of the surgeon’s armamentarium. It is therefore vital for a surgeon to have a sound understand - ing of the principles of electrosurgery to facilitate safe surgery ( Summary box 7.9 ). Summary box 7.9 - Safe electrosurgery - /uni25CF /uni25CF - /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF e - /uni25CF -

Always check diathermy setting before use Use the safest, lowest diathermy current setting Be careful when diathermy is used near other metallic instruments Employ the diathermy intermittently and for brief spells Use bipolar diathermy and advanced vessel-sealing devices where appropriate Smoke extractors to remove bio-aerosolised particles are essential