Principles and safety measures of electrosurgery in laparoscopy.
BACKGROUND
Electrosurgical units are the most common type of electrical equipment in the operating room. A basic understanding of electricity is needed to safely apply electrosurgical technology for patient care.


METHODS
We reviewed the literature concerning the  essential biophysics, the incidence of electrosurgical injuries, and the possible mechanisms for injury. Various safety guidelines pertaining to avoidance of injuries were also reviewed.


RESULTS
Electrothermal injury may result from direct application, insulation failure, direct  coupling, capacitive coupling, and so forth.


CONCLUSIONS
A thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of electrosurgery by the entire team in the operating room is essential for patient safety and for recognizing potential complications. Newer hemostatic technologies can be used to  decrease the incidence of complications.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany.
Ibrahim
I
Alkatout
Thoralf
T
Schollmeyer
Nusrat A
NA
Hawaldar
Nidhi
N
Sharma
Liselotte
L
Mettler
D004564:Electrocoagulation; D004566:Electrodes; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D012449:Safety