Preventing electrosurgical energy-related injuries.
Electrosurgery is used on a daily basis in the operating room, but it remains poorly understood by those using it. In addition, the physics of electrosurgery are far more complicated than those of laser. Common belief notwithstanding, electrosurgery has an enormous capacity for patient injury if used incorrectly, even though technology has markedly reduced the likelihood of patient or surgeon injuries. This article is intended to educate the clinician regarding the basis of electrosurgery and provide an explanation on how injuries may occur as well as how they may be prevented.
Lipscomb
Gary H
GH
Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Family Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 1301 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, TN 38119, USA. garyhlipscomb@gmail.com
Givens
Vanessa M
VM
D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology; D003890:Desiccation; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004560:Electricity; D004566:Electrodes; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure