Hazards of surgical diathermy.
BACKGROUND
Surgical diathermy is an invaluable facility widely used in the operating theatre. Its application in surgical practice is rapidly expanding. However, its use may be accompanied with hazards, which this review is intended to highlight.


METHODS
Publications from local and international journals were reviewed.


RESULTS
The role of diathermy in surgical practice has expanded beyond imagination in recent years. The patient, surgeon and the theatre staff are frequently exposed to hazards such as burns injury, electrocution, hypoxic stress, inhalation of diathermy plume, and gene mutation. However, strict adherence to preventive measures such as proper connection and handling of diathermy machine, avoidance of inflammable theatre gases, the use of suction device, theatre scavenging system and diathermy plume extraction system could significantly reduce the hazards.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuous exposure to electrocautery appliances in surgical practice is associated with potential risks. Optimizing health and safety in work place should be an ongoing goal. Hence, all methods geared toward the reduction of these risks to health should be emphasized.
Makama
G J
GJ
Department of Surgery, ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria. jerlizabeth@yahoo.com
Ameh
E A
EA
D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology; D003972:Diathermy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia; D009549:Nigeria; D012307:Risk Factors