Electrocautery Burns and Operator Ignorance

Abstract

The surgeon, however, need not be expected to know the full details of the electrothermic principles which are involved, though it behooves him to have some familiarity with them if he is to do more than merely run the machine. One may learn to pilot a motor driven vehicle without necessarily knowing the principles of the internal combustion engine, but it will add to his efficiency in emergencies if he does so. –––Harvey Cushing, 1928 1 Electrocautery is one of the most widely used surgical devices, but injuries occur often and lead to costly litigation. Ignorance is the leading cause of these injuries in the operating theater. Understanding a few simple principles of operation can minimize unnecessary electrocautery injuries to both patients and surgeons.