title: Monopolar diathermy dissection made easy.
abstract: Monopolar diathermy is employed widely in surgery, but detailed examination of its use reveals that the full potential of the instrument as a dissecting tool is not always realised. Two factors compromise its use for accurate dissection: 1) the location and control of the hand control buttons; and 2) use of a needle point. This review demonstrates how the foot control (by allowing the instrument to be held closer to the tissues) and the round-tipped spatula end (by allowing blunt dissection without having to change instruments) can markedly increase the precision and efficiency of operative dissection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. spencer.beasley@cdhb.govt.nz
authors.forename: Spencer W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Beasley
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003071:Cognition; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D009048:Motor Skills; D010465:Perception; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis