Histologic characteristics of electrosurgical injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the wide variation of histologic characteristics produced by electrosurgical burns.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis.


METHODS
University-associated teaching hospital.


METHODS
Pigs and dogs.


METHODS
Various power settings were employed with both monopolar and bipolar electrodes to incur electrosurgical damage. Animals were followed for up to 96 hours after injury.


RESULTS
Histologic analysis yielded characteristics of electrosurgical damage including areas of complete necrosis and coagulation, perivascular changes, endothelial damage, and hyperchromic pyknotic nuclei. White cell infiltration was seen only at the margin of necrotic zones of coagulation.


CONCLUSIONS
The wide spectrum of histology from electrosurgical burns is primarily a result of the area that is sampled. Surgeons should actively investigate any postsurgical complications involving electrosurgery to obtain a definitive cause.
Tucker
R D
RD
Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA.
Platz
C E
CE
Landas
S K
SK
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013270:Stomach / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013552:Swine; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery