Radiofrequency surgery--novel techniques in the treatment of ano-rectal disease

Radiofrequency surgery is a method of utilizing high frequency (3.8 to 4MHz) radio wave energy to incise, excise, or coagulate tissues. Radiofrequency (RF) is a relatively new modality that is being used for ano-rectal surgeries with increasing frequency. As the RF energy is applied, frictional heating of tissues results, with cell death occurring at temperatures between 60 and 100 degrees C.

This paper discusses author's clinical experience with radiofrequency for various ano-rectal pathologies namely hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal polyps, sinuses and anal papillae. A Ellman dual frequency radiofrequency generator was used to carry out the procedures. This study is intended to be somewhat of a "how we do it" manual, explaining the principles of radiofrequency.

Radiofrequency proctological procedures are simple to perform with many advantages over the more traditional techniques. The procedures take less operative time, the postoperative recovery is accelerated and the incidences of complications are negligible.