In vivo measurements of leakage current during transurethral resection.
To estimate the magnitude of leakage current during transurethral resection 3 tape electrodes were applied to the penis and connected to earth through 50 kohm resistances (in order to minimize the current drawn from the neutral plate). A total of maximally 4 mAmp was measured through these electrodes. The measurements were independent of the concentration of hemoglobin in the irrigation fluid, the lubricant applied or whether a Teflon coated shaft was used. The maximum current of 4 mAmp has to pass an area as small as 0.1 mm2 for 0.2 sec in order to produce a second degree burn in the urethra. It is thus concluded that from an electrical point of view transurethral resection is a safe procedure not liable to give rise to any urethral burns. Using an isolated Teflon coated shaft has thus no practical value in reducing the leakage current.
Surgical Department K, Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark.
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Kay
D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000209:etiology*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014521:Urethra / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery