title: The status of electrosurgery in dermatologic practice.
abstract: A survey was made of the electrosurgical practices of the members of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Results showed that the majority prefer the traditional electrosurgical units, with the Hyfrecator (Birtcher Corp.) being by far the most popular. The most common forms of high-frequency electrosurgery are electrocoagulation and electrodesiccation. Very few dermatologists use cutting current, although many own machines with this capability. The majority do not use a strict sterile technic when performing electrosurgery. However, there appears to be an increasing awareness of contamination risks, and many dermatologists have started using disposable or sterilizable treatment electrodes. High-frequency electrosurgery is by far the most common method of electrosurgery. Electrocautery and surgical galvanism are very rarely used.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Davis.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Sebben
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology / Q000379:methods*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation; D004566:Electrodes; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States