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Thermal injury due to electrosurgery
Umut Tuncel1, Güzin Yeşim Ozgenel
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Uludağ University Medical School, Bursa, Turkey.
Summary
Electrosurgery complications, like severe burns from ground plates, are preventable. Surgeons and staff must ensure proper electrosurgical system use and inform patients of potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Technology
- Patient Safety
- Dermatology
Background:
- Electrosurgical instruments are widely utilized across surgical disciplines.
- Understanding electrosurgical device properties is crucial for preventing surgical complications.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient who developed a third-degree dermal burn.
- The burn injury resulted from direct contact with the ground plate of an electrosurgical system.
Findings:
- The patient's third-degree burn necessitated surgical intervention for healing.
- Electrosurgery, while common, carries the risk of significant adverse events.
Implications:
- Surgeons and operating room staff must exercise vigilance regarding electrosurgical system function during procedures.
- Informed patient consent regarding potential electrosurgery complications is a critical aspect of surgical care.