Electrosurgical injuries and their prevention in laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Electro surgery is one of the most commonly used energy systems in laparoscopic surgery. The surgical team should have a good understanding of the principles of electro surgery and tissue effects to avoid complications. The risk of complications is linked to the surgeon's fundamental knowledge of instruments, surgical technique, biophysics, relevant anatomy, and safe technical equipment.

Background: Though the exact incidence of laparoscopic electrosurgical complications is very hard to ascertain, the incidence of complications related to laparoscopic electro surgery has been reported to be 2 to 5 per 1000 in 1990s. Electro thermal injury may result from the following situations:

1. Direct application
2. Insulation failure
3. Direct coupling
4. Capacitive coupling
5. Alternative site burn
6. Thermal Injury Secondary to Fiber optic Cables
7. Surgical
8. Electro thermal burn to