Electrosurgery employs a medical device resembling a pen that produces a high frequency direct electrical current, creating enough heat conduction to rupture, or "cut" an incision in tissue while also cauterizing the incision (electrocautery) and reducing blood loss. Electrosurgery is used in hospital operation rooms, doctor's offices, and ambulatory surgical centers for procedures that include gynecological surgeries, dermatological procedures and other surgical applications.
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Electrosurgery has several advantages over conventional surgeries. As incisions are made, the tissue is cauterized, reducing blood loss and the time spent suturing blood vessels. The length of time under anesthesia is shortened as a result. The recovery period is quicker and there’s less postoperative pain. As a result, more procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis at doctors’ offices or ambulatory surgical centers instead of inpatient operating rooms.
Outpatient procedures have the added advantage of cost reduction since the patient can recover in the comfort of his or her own home.
How is electrosurgery different from traditional surgery?
Instead of a surgeon using a scalpel to make a cut in a surgical site, he or she would use a device resembling a pen. The pen passes a high-frequency electric current which creates enough heat to rupture the cells along the incision line. As it “cuts,” the edges of the site are cauterized.
Electrosurgery involves additional operating room equipment and protocols to ensure the safety of the patient and the medical personnel. The patient must be protected by a grounding pad to avoid shocks and unintended burns. A containment unit is needed to draw the smoke caused by creating the incision to avoid possible exposure to toxins and mutagens. Flammable substances such as anesthetic gasses and alcohol must be suitably contained to avoid ignition by a spark. Also importantly, live electrodes must never touch drapes, sheets, and sponges. Extra care must be taken in oxygen-enriched atmospheres as well.
Who benefits from electrosurgery?
Patients undergoing procedures on vascular-rich areas of the body such as the head and thorax benefit from the reduced blood loss and shorter times under anesthetic provided by electrosurgery. Reduced pain and quicker recovery times have been reported with this innovative method.
Other procedures that are appropriate for electrosurgery include gynecological surgeries such as tubal ligation or removal of cervical lesions, and dermatological procedures including removal of malignant growths.
Surgeons also benefit from an improved field of vision, allowing them to see growths, vascular malformations, or internal injuries unobscured by blood. They spend less time suturing the site, allowing the patient to get to the recovery room more quickly.
Where are electrosurgery supplies used?
Electrosurgery supplies are used in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical centers and doctors’ offices.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry electrosurgery supplies by one of the field’s leading manufacturers, DeRoyal.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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