Electrosurgery is a surgical procedure that uses a high-frequency electrical current to cut, coagulate, desiccate, and fulgurate tissue. It may be conducted with either monopolar or bipolar energy or a specific tool. Each of these two modalities has distinct benefits, and recognising their distinctions will help you comprehend how they are employed.

To complete the electric current circuit, current flows from the probe electrode through the tissue and the patient to a return pad in monopolar electrosurgery. The current in bipolar electrosurgery only flows through the tissue between the two arms of the forceps-shaped electrode.

Bipolar Electrosurgery

Bipolar electrosurgery uses lower voltages using less energy. However, its limited capacity to cut and coagulate vast bleeding regions is best suited for operations where tissues may be readily gripped on both sides by the forceps electrode. The electrosurgical current in the patient is limited to the tissue between the forceps electrode's arms. This improves control over the treated region and helps protect other delicate tissues. The likelihood of patient burns is considerably minimised with bipolar electrosurgery.

In the most frequent procedures, the surgeon employs forceps linked to an electrosurgical generator. The current flows through the tissue held in place by the forceps. Because the electrical current's route is restricted to the tissue between the two electrodes, it may be utilised to prevent electrical current from travelling through the device and creating a short-circuit or misfire in patients with implanted devices. It is usually advisable to read the implanted device user handbook before performing any electrosurgical application to minimise difficulties.

Monopolar Electrosurgery

Monopolar electrosurgery may be utilised for various procedures such as cut, blend, desiccation, and fulguration. The active electrode is put at the entrance site using a pencil tool and may be used to cut tissue and coagulate blood. Because the return electrode pad is connected to the patient, electrical current passes from the generator to the electrode, the target tissue, the patient return pad, and the generator. Because of its adaptability and efficacy, monopolar electrosurgery is the most widely utilised. Electrosurgery should only be conducted by a certified physician with special training in this area and training in electrosurgical procedures and practices essential to avoid accidents.