Burns related to electrosurgery - Report of two cases

• Main Authors: Flora Margarida Barra Bisinotto, Roberto Alexandre Dezena, Laura Bisinotto Martins, Marina Cordeiro Galvão, José Martins Sobrinho, Maida Silva Calçado
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia
• Series: Revista Brasileira de Anestesiologia
• Subjects: Complicações: queimadura; Equipamento: eletrocautério; Cirurgia: complicações
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-70942017000500527&lng=en&tlng=en

Abstract Electrosurgery is a technology developed over the last few years and has become a very important tool in modern surgery. Most of the equipment is considered safe, although there are risks related to its use. Several lesions may be caused by electrocautery, and burns are the most common and feared. We report two cases of burns related to use of electrocautery and promote a literature review, because knowledge of electrosurgery fundamentals, its correct use, the choice of a safety device, constant monitoring, and immediate investigation before any suspicions surely can improve the operational experience for both surgeon and patient.