title: Diathermy in perioperative practice.
abstract: Diathermy has revolutionised modern surgery and is an important tool for efficient and safe surgical practice. It has evolved to become the modern day scalpel, being used for cutting and coagulating tissues. This article addresses the functioning and safe use of diathermy in the perioperative setting. The various precautionary checks before surgery, which are prerequisite for safe usage, are highlighted along with the necessary safety drills during and after operation. A specific note is included about the use of electrical equipment in specialised surgeries like cardiac and laparoscopic surgery. The issues regarding the maintenance and repair of equipment are acknowledged and finally, the anticipation for a future with precise and safer cutting and coagulation devices is addressed.
authors.affiliation: Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.
authors.forename: Anish G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Potty
authors.forename: Wasim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Hitesh D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Tailor
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003972:Diathermy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008283:Maintenance; D016272:Occupational Health; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods*; D012906:Smoke / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D012906:Smoke