The picture on the left shows the new generation diathermy machines used today, and is one I always use during most operations. Electrosurgical units (diathermy machines) were first introduced during the early twentieth century to facilitate stopping bleeding by closing off the ends of cut blood vessel ends (haemostasis) and/or the cutting of tissue during surgical procedures. In this process, a smoke plume is generated which is sucked up by the attached smoke evacuation tubing.
It has revolutionised the way I operate. Bleeding during surgery is kept to a minimum. Infact, it is rare for my patients to require blood transfusion even after major reconstruction surgery lasting 6-7 hours. The incidence for returning to theatre for an emergency evacuation of a haematoma (removing blood clot in the tissues) has decreased significantly, compared to the days when one used to use a knife throughout the operation. The downside of using a diathermy to perform the operation is the generation of heat in the tissues, which can cause thermal damage. To reduce this risk, I will often use it on low settings of 'pure' current- so that even if the diathermy tip accidentally touches my gloved finger, there is minimal heat and no burn. As a result of reducing bleeding during operations, the diathermy has made my dissections cleaner and faster, as the operating field is clear. Patients have benefitted too- less blood loss and reduced operation times means a quicker recovery after major surgery.
It has revolutionised the way I operate. Bleeding during surgery is kept to a minimum. Infact, it is rare for my patients to require blood transfusion even after major reconstruction surgery lasting 6-7 hours. The incidence for returning to theatre for an emergency evacuation of a haematoma (removing blood clot in the tissues) has decreased significantly, compared to the days when one used to use a knife throughout the operation. The downside of using a diathermy to perform the operation is the generation of heat in the tissues, which can cause thermal damage. To reduce this risk, I will often use it on low settings of 'pure' current- so that even if the diathermy tip accidentally touches my gloved finger, there is minimal heat and no burn. As a result of reducing bleeding during operations, the diathermy has made my dissections cleaner and faster, as the operating field is clear. Patients have benefitted too- less blood loss and reduced operation times means a quicker recovery after major surgery.
RSS Feed
