Didactics-Monopolar Electrosurgery

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the presentation by Dr. Chae on monopolar electrosurgery, he emphasizes its importance in surgical practice for both cutting and achieving hemostasis efficiently. He acknowledges Ethicons Johnson & Johnson for providing educational materials. The talk outlines the basics of electricity, principles of monopolar electrosurgery, and its potential risks. Dr. Chae underscores that nearly 50% of surgeons lack formal training in electrosurgery, highlighting a need for improved education to enhance surgical outcomes and reduce risks like thermal burns, hemorrhage, fire, and even death.<br /><br />The discussion moves into the physics of electricity relevant to electrosurgery, explaining Ohm’s Law and the significance of resistance in tissue interaction. He explains the function and importance of proper application of the return electrode to prevent patient burns. The principles of different monopolar waveforms, including cutting, coagulation, and fulguration, are covered, with cutting being less damaging to tissue.<br /><br />Dr. Chae also highlights potential risks like direct coupling, stray current, capacitive coupling, and insulation failures—particularly relevant in laparoscopic surgery. He provides strategies for the safe use of monopolar electrosurgery, recommending the use of cutting waveforms and lowest effective power settings while avoiding open circuits and ensuring proper instrument insulation. The overall message is to choose the right energy modality for optimal patient outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Siew-Fei Ngu
August 2024

Keywords

monopolar electrosurgery

surgical practice

hemostasis

electrosurgery risks

Ohm’s Law

return electrode

waveforms

patient safety