Complications, Implications, and Prevention of Electrosurgical Injuries: Corner Stone of Diathermy Use for Junior Surgical Trainees

Abstract

Diathermy is commonly used in modern-day surgery. The incidence of electrosurgical injuries related to diathermy is under reported, as it is difficult to ascertain the true impact on both patient and healthcare professionals. As junior surgical trainees, understanding of the mechanism and biophysics of the electrosurgical tools enables safer usage and contributes to improved outcome. Careful use of electrosurgical tools during operation and appropriate communication amongst staff members are pivotal to a safe surgical outcome. Here, we discuss the causes and risk factors regarding electrosurgical complications along with suggestions to ensure safe practice, focusing on commonly neglected areas.

Safe use of electrosurgery in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery

“…Such interference can damage or inhibit the CIED device, burn the myocardium or cause arrhythmias and asystole. 38,39 Prevention strategy 40,41 The following steps should be followed to prevent electromagnetic interference.…”

Diathermy-induced Ventricular Fibrillation

“…Electromagnetic devices, such as PPMs and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), have been reported to interfere with electrosurgical devices. 3 In this context, the interference caused by diathermy can lead to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. A rare case of diathermy-induced VF was previously reported as a result of an insulation defect in the high-voltage lead at the level of the pectoral muscles.…”

Development of Photocrosslinked Poly(glycerol dodecanedioate)—A Biodegradable Shape Memory Polymer for 3D‐Printed Tissue Engineering Applications

“…[1][2][3][4] Despite this gap in the field, MIS procedures are increasing in frequency across multiple fields of medicine due to lower operational costs, shorter length of hospitalization, less adverse events, and in turn lower costs. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] One major challenge in the treatment of soft tissue pathologies, stemming from acute injury, age-related wear, and disease, is the production of biomaterials that exhibit mechanical properties similar to complex tissue mechanical properties. Soft tissues display nonlinear elastic and viscoelastic mechanical properties, requiring similar behavior from potential therapeutic biomaterials to allow for appropriate tissue repair within and around the pathology.…”