Electrosurgery is often used in modern treatment as it helps minimise bleeding and scarring during surgery. During this process, the surgeon will use instruments that pass an electrical current, which will be used to cut through tissue and skin. They are preferred over traditional incisions because of the quick healing time associated with this type of surgery. If you are going to get this type of surgery or introduce it in your clinic, these are some things that you should know about it:
What does the process entail?
Usually, during electrosurgery, one of two types of currents are used: monopolar or bipolar. Monopolar electrosurgery uses one current, which passes through the body of the person being operated on. An electric pad is put on the patient, which allows the current to circulate. It is commonly used and allows for many different types of incisions, cauterisations and dessications. It can be used on a wide range of tissue and is applicable for most surgeries.
In comparison, bipolar electrosurgery doesn’t use a return pad. The current passes from one pole of the electrode to the other, going through the patient’s tissue, which is separated in the process. This allows for localised surgery and reduces the risk of issues such as burns associated with monopolar electrosurgery. It is also safe to use on patients who may have electrical devices implanted in them, which may malfunction if an electric current passes through. Usually, during bipolar surgery, patients use instruments such as reusable bipolar forceps to cut through the tissue with precision.
What are the benefits of this surgery?
Most clinics and hospitals nowadays have electrosurgical units. It is starting to replace tools such as scalpels as it is getting safer and the technology is becoming more advanced. As it uses burning rather than cutting, the wounds become cauterised during the process. This leads to less bleeding during the surgery and reduces the risk of haemorrhaging on the operation table. Due to this, the recovery process is much quicker as wounds heal swiftly. This type of surgery also does not require heavy anaesthesia. It is often used for cosmetic surgery and delicate procedures such as eye surgery.
Are there any risks involved?
Electrosurgery does not pose any more risk than regular surgery does. In fact, the risks are lower as patients have lower chances of contracting infections due to quick healing and shorter hospital stay. The risks from electrosurgery include accidental burns and damage to surrounding tissue if the electrical current becomes misplaced. There may be accidental perforations that are hard to detect, though this is rare. In some cases, electrosurgical equipment lead to fires in the surgery room. But modern technological advances have reduced these risks quite a lot.
Most hospitals and clinics are outfitted with electrosurgical units, which are one of the most commonly used surgical instruments. Monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery are the two types of surgery that are carried out. Nowadays, it is by far a smart and safe choice for surgery.