First Year Fellows Endoscopy Course (Aug 6-7)

3-Electrocautery

Pdf Summary

The document provides an overview of electrocautery in endoscopy. It explains the basic terms related to electrosurgery, such as current, circuit, voltage, and current density. It describes how an electrosurgical generator works, producing high frequency alternating current. The document also addresses the question of why patients are not electrocuted during electrosurgery, stating that above a certain frequency, there is only a thermal effect and no neuromuscular stimulation or formation of acids/bases.<br /><br />The document emphasizes that the therapeutic basis of electrosurgery is the production of heat at the cellular level. It explains how heat is produced using high-frequency alternating current that flows along a circuit and passes through tissue. The document discusses the different temperature/thermal effects achieved by changing the waveform, such as cutting, coagulation, and carbonization.<br /><br />The document also provides information on the different types of electrosurgical units, including monopolar and bipolar circuits. It explains the importance of proper grounding pad placement and provides safety guidelines for using grounding pads. The document discusses the use of electrosurgery in specific procedures, such as polypectomy, sphincterotomy, needle-knife, and argon plasma coagulation (APC).<br /><br />Furthermore, the document highlights the importance of understanding and setting up the equipment properly. It emphasizes that physicians should be knowledgeable about their current generators and electrocautery devices, as well as the different variables and considerations when performing electrosurgery.<br /><br />Overall, the document provides a comprehensive overview of the use of electrocautery in endoscopy, including basic terms, principles, safety guidelines, and considerations for different procedures.

Keywords

electrocautery

endoscopy

electrosurgery

current

circuit

thermal effect

high-frequency alternating current

waveform

grounding pad placement

procedures