Electrosurgery

A surgical technique using electrical current to cut tissue or control bleeding

Overview

Electrosurgery in action

Electrosurgery is a technique used in surgery to cut tissue or control bleeding by using high-frequency electrical current. This method is widely used in various surgical procedures due to its precision and ability to minimize blood loss.

Principles of Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery operates on the principle of using electrical current to generate heat within the tissue. The heat causes the tissue to coagulate or vaporize, allowing for cutting or hemostasis. The electrical current can be delivered in different modes, such as monopolar or bipolar, depending on the surgical requirements.

Monopolar Electrosurgery

In monopolar electrosurgery, the electrical current flows from an active electrode through the patient's body to a return electrode. This method is commonly used for cutting and coagulating large areas of tissue.

Bipolar Electrosurgery

Bipolar electrosurgery involves the use of two electrodes, with the current passing between them. This technique is often used for more precise applications, such as in neurosurgery or ophthalmology.

Applications

Electrosurgery is used in a variety of surgical fields, including:

• General surgery
• Gynecology
• Dermatology
• Otolaryngology
• Urology

Advantages

The advantages of electrosurgery include reduced bleeding, decreased risk of infection, and faster recovery times. It also allows for precise cutting and coagulation, which is beneficial in delicate surgical procedures.

Risks and Considerations

While electrosurgery is generally safe, there are risks such as burns, unintended tissue damage, and interference with pacemakers. Proper training and equipment maintenance are essential to minimize these risks.

Related pages

• Surgery
• Cauterization
• Laser surgery