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At least 649 records · Page 36Linked to original sources

Successful treatment of warts. Choosing the best method for each situation.

The success of wart therapy and its acceptance by the patient are greatly influenced by a complete understanding of treatment options--their effectiveness, proper application, and side effects. Each wart is a separate therapeutic problem and should be treated in a manner appropriate for that lesion. Cryosurgery, electrosurgery, and chemical destruction are the primary forms of therapy for uncomplicated warts. Recalcitrant, plantar, mosaic, and periungual warts can be effectively treated with intralesional injections of bleomycin (Blenoxane), carbon dioxide laser surgery, or immunotherapy.

Bleomycin↗

Stray radiofrequency current as a cause of urethral strictures after transurethral resection of the prostate.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to define the pattern and significance of stray currents induced by two electrosurgical generators (ESGs) in relation to urethral strictures forming after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 24F resectoscope irrigated with glycine was activated at various power outputs in different modes, with intact loops and loops with faulty insulation, simulating TURP. The Valleylab and ERBE ESGs were compared for inducing capacitance. An ESG analyzer simulated tissue impedance and recorded the stray currents induced along the resectoscope sheath. A fresh pig liver was used for assessment of tissue damage caused by the currents. RESULTS: In the cutting mode, the ERBE ESG produced a mean stray current of 70 mA with an intact loop and 144 mA with a loop having faulty insulation. The Valleylab ESG produced 150 mA and 161 mA, respectively. In the coagulation mode, the ERBE ESG produced an average leakage current of 35 mA and, with a loop with faulty insulation, 40 mA. The Valleylab ESG produced 148 mA and 151 mA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical injury may represent a significant cause of urethral stricture after transurethral electrosurgery. The critical power density of 7.5 W/cm2 (which is likely to cause a urethral burn) may be reached, especially with the use of loops with faulty insulation or nonconductive lubricating gel. The ERBE ESG produced significantly less capacitance, decreasing the risk of urethral electrical burn. Conductive gel prevents dangerous current concentration.

Electric Injuries↗

The CO 2 laser in mastectomy: a ten-year follow-up.

We compared the healing process, postoperative course, and follow-up of patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy in the conventional way with those who underwent a laser procedure. Sixty women, aged 33 to 77 years, who suffered from carcinoma of the breast were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1: surgery was performed using scalpel and electrosurgery; Group 2: surgery was performed with a CO 2 Sharplan laser, skin-to-skin including the axilla dissection; maximal power, 40-60 W. The postoperative course was uneventful in both groups. Wound healing was normal. Sutures were removed on the tenth day. Patients were followed at the Outpatient Clinic for 10 years. The circumference of the arm and forearm was measured at fixed points before surgery and at follow-up. Mammography and liver and bone scans were performed every year. Four Group 1 patients developed swelling and edema of 2 to 3 cm at 6 to 8 months after surgery. Also two patients from subgroup A developed local recurrence. No edema or swelling or local recurrence could be detected in patients operated by laser. Surgery with laser is preferable to the conventional approach.

Adult↗

Laparosonic coagulating shears: alternative method of hemostatic control of unsupported tissue.

Ultrasonic energy is now available as a hemostatic tool to aid dissection during surgery. A new device, the Laparosonic Coagulating Shears (LCS-Ethicon/Ultracision, N. Smithfield, RI), has been developed to allow hemostatic coagulation and division of tissue. We describe the mechanism of action and its effects in the porcine model. In addition, we compare this modality with conventional electrosurgery.

Animals↗

In vivo comparison of electrosurgical vaporization electrodes.

To determine the acute tissue effects of endoscopic electrosurgery using different electrodes, smooth ball, smooth bar, vertically grooved bar, and horizontally fluted bar electrodes were applied to the epithelial surface of porcine bladders in vivo with electrosurgical cutting current supplied at 100, 150, and 200 W. A single pass was made on the surface of the tissue under endoscopic control with sorbitol irrigation using an excursion rate of 5 mm/sec. Each electrode was tested five times at each setting. The depths of electrosurgical vaporization and coagulation were measured by a pathologist blinded to the electrode and power setting. Depth of vaporization increased with the power setting of the generator and was greater with the non-smooth electrodes than the smooth electrodes. The depth of coagulation likewise was greater using the non-smooth electrodes but increased only minimally with increasing power settings. There were no differences in vaporization or coagulation depth between the small ball and smooth bar electrodes. The differences between the vertically grooved bar and horizontally fluted bar also were insignificant, except that in one-third of cases, the horizontally fluted bar created clefts undermining otherwise-undamaged areas of tissue. Non-smooth electrosurgical electrodes produce more vaporization and coagulation than smooth electrodes at a given power setting and therefore may be preferred for endoscopic applications. For use in tissues where precise control is required, the vertically grooved bar may be superior to the horizontally fluted bar because it provides similar vaporization and coagulation with a more uniform tissue effect.

Animals↗

Comparison of results of KTP/532 laser versus monopolar electrosurgical dissection in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A total of 641 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 1991 were reviewed to compare the results of Potassium Titanyl Phosphate (KTP/532) laser versus monopolar electrosurgery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. KTP laser dissection was used alone in 199 cases (31%), and monopolar cautery was used in 442 (69%). During this same time period, 41 additional procedures were excluded because of conversion to open cholecystectomy. Procedures in which both modalities (N = 24) were used were also excluded from the study. Modality choice was dependent upon operating surgeon's preference. Data were analyzed with student t-test, chi-square with Yates correction, stepwise linear regression analysis, and correlation matrices. Five (2.5%) patients had five major complications when KTP laser dissection was used and 34 (7.7%) patients had 42 major complications when monopolar electrosurgical dissection was used (p < 0.05). Postoperative hospital stay with the KTP/532 laser dissection group was 1.4 +/- 0.06 days and for the monopolar electrosurgical dissection group it was 1.7 +/- 0.08 days (p < 0.05). The duration of the procedures was identical with either modality. The use of the KTP laser for dissection of the gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be a safer procedure with significantly decreased complication rates and savings in length of hospital stay. Although initially a more expensive procedure, the savings in length of hospital stay and treatment of complications may offset the initial expenditure and be worthwhile.

Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic↗

Emergencies related to implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have become the dominant therapeutic modality for patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. ICDs are implanted using techniques similar to standard pacemaker implantation. They not only provide high-energy shocks for ventricular fibrillation and rapid ventricular tachycardia, but also provide antitachycardia pacing for monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and antibradycardia pacing. Devices incorporating an atrial lead allow dual-chamber pacing and better discrimination between ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. Intensivists are increasingly likely to encounter patients with ICDs. Electrosurgery can be safely performed in ICD patients as long as the device is deactivated before the procedure and reactivated and reassessed immediately afterward. Prompt and skilled intervention can prove to be life-saving in patients presenting with ICD-related emergencies, including lack of response to ventricular tachyarrhythmias, pacing failure, and multiple shocks. Recognition and treatment of tachyarrhythmia can be temporarily disabled by placing a magnet on top of an ICD. The presence of an ICD should not deter standard resuscitation techniques. Multiple ICD discharges in a short period of time constitute a serious situation. Causes include ventricular electrical storm, inefficient defibrillation, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, and inappropriate shocks caused by supraventricular tachyarrhythmias or oversensing of signals. ICD system infection requires hardware removal and intravenous antibiotic therapy. Deactivation of an ICD with the consent of the patient or relatives is reasonable and ethical in terminally ill patients.

Contraindications↗

The use of the argon laser-assisted quartz scalpel for burn wound excision to fascia.

We have developed a new method for coupling the hemostatic capabilities of argon laser light with the mechanical advantages of a sharpened quartz blade using fiberoptics. Using the new laser-assisted scalpel, a series of symmetrical skin excisions was done in 20- to 30-kg pigs on one side and with electrosurgery on the other. The laser scalpel was superior in its hemostatic properties (p less than 0.01) with no statistically significant difference in surgical speed. Take of split-thickness skin grafts was 90% in beds excised with either the laser or the electrosurgical device. Histologic sections showed less tissue damage with the laser-assisted scalpel than with electrocautery.

Animals↗

Vaporization of the prostate.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transurethral resection of the prostate remains the treatment of choice for men with symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement. Concerns regarding the morbidity of this operation have led to the development of alternative surgical procedures. Vaporization of the prostate can be achieved using either laser energy or electrosurgery. The advantage of these approaches is that they allow tissue removal with reduced blood loss. Vaporization techniques have been around for almost a decade and more powerful lasers have recently become available. This has led to a minor resurgence in interest in laser vaporization. We reviewed articles on all forms of vaporization of the prostate published in the 12 months from August 2002. RECENT FINDINGS: Electrovaporization of the prostate is an effective treatment for men who require surgery for benign prostatic enlargement. The results are well maintained at 5 years follow-up with low reoperation rates. Scanty data are available for the Gyrus (Gyrus Medical Ltd, Cardiff, Wales) bipolar electrovaporization system but preliminary results suggest there is no significant advantage over transurethral resection of the prostate. Early forms of laser vaporization of the prostate are not as effective as either transurethral resection of the prostate or transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate and have a higher retreatment rate. Newer, more powerful lasers have been recently introduced with encouraging initial results in small numbers of patients. SUMMARY: Electrovaporization of the prostate is a safe, effective and durable alternative to transurethral resection. Early laser vaporization techniques have high retreatment rates, which limit their cost-effectiveness. Few data are yet available on high-powered lasers for bladder outflow obstruction. Whether any vaporization technique will stand the test of time is unclear.

Aged↗

Nerve sparing radical prostatectomy: effects of hemostatic energy sources on the recovery of cavernous nerve function in a canine model.

PURPOSE: To preserve sexual function following radical prostatectomy, one must avoid injury to the neurovascular bundles (NVBs). In the conventional open surgical technique, the use of energy sources for hemostasis is avoided to prevent damage to the cavernous nerves. In contrast, during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, electrosurgical and ultrasonic energy sources are frequently used for hemostasis during dissection of the prostate. In this study, we evaluated the acute and chronic physiological effects of various hemostatic energy sources on cavernous nerve function in the canine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 dogs were divided into 4 groups based on the type of energy source used for hemostasis during unilateral dissection of the NVB. The groups included conventional dissection with suture ligatures (group 1), monopolar (group 2) or bipolar (group 3) electrosurgery and ultrasonic shears (group 4). The contralateral NVB was left undissected as a control. Erectile function was assessed acutely and after 2 weeks of survival by measuring peak intracavernous pressures in response to cavernous nerve stimulation. RESULTS: Following conventional techniques of nerve sparing, the erectile response to nerve stimulation was unaffected. In contrast, the use of energy sources in proximity to the NVB during nerve preservation was associated with a substantial decrease in erectile response both acutely (74% to 91% decrease compared to controls) and after 2 weeks (93% to 96% decrease). CONCLUSIONS: In the chronic canine model, use of hemostatic energy sources in proximity to the prostate during dissection of the neurovascular bundle is associated with a significantly decreased erectile response to cavernous nerve stimulation.

Animals↗

Ultrasonic versus standard electric dissection in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of the ultrasonic dissection (UC) compared with standard electrosurgery (ES) in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. BACKGROUND DATA: High-frequency ultrasound energy was introduced in laparoscopic surgery to improve dissection and coagulation. Very limited data have been published on its use in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: Patients eligible for elective laparoscopic right or left hemicolectomy (RH and LH), sigmoidectomy (SG), or low anterior resection (LAR) were randomized to either UC or ES. The following data were collected and analyzed: preoperative data (individual patient data, indication for surgery), intraoperative data (conversion to open surgery, conversion ES to UC, operative time, blood loss, complication rate), and postoperative data (morbidity and mortality, volume of drainage, hospital stay). RESULTS: Between January 2002 and December 2003, 171 patients underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal resection. Twenty-5 patients did not satisfy the inclusion criteria and were excluded. The diagnosis of the remaining 146 patients was diverticulitis (44), colonic adenoma (31), adenocarcinoma (70), or epidermoid carcinoma (1). These patients underwent laparoscopic RH (28), LH (31), SG (47), or LAR (40). There were no differences in preoperative data. The overall conversion rate to open surgery was 11.6%, with no differences between the two groups; 20.8% undergoing ES were converted to UC, more frequently during right hemicolectomy or low anterior resection. Operative time, the primary endpoint of this study, did not differ between the two groups: UC 93 minutes versus ES 102.6 minutes (P = 0.46). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in UC 140.8 mL versus ES 182.6 mL (P = 0.032). No differences were observed in postoperative morbidity or other preoperative or postoperative parameters. CONCLUSIONS: UC is a useful device in laparoscopic colorectal surgery that facilitates completion of difficult cases and reduces intraoperative blood loss. Nevertheless, the majority of laparoscopic procedures can be completed with ES. Therefore, selective use of UC appears to be the most cost-effective policy.

Aged↗

A spark counter as a control unit of a radio frequency surgery device.

A new approach in radio frequency (rf) electrosurgery, used for tissue treatment, is achieved by using a new process control method. An external control unit allows a commonly available rf-generator to automatically supply the appropriate power for differing tissue types, thus ensuring best cutting quality. The sparks, generated during the scalpel electrode interaction with the tissue, appear statistically distributed. The spark rate depends on various factors and is monotonic with the supplied electrical power. This allows it to be used as the controlled variable in the cutting process. The ac current passing through the tissue is evaluated by an external control unit using an analyzation algorithm to determine the number of sparks. The external unit is comprised of a system, which measures the spark rate, and a subsequent proportional integral (P.I.) controller. The functionality of the control method as well as the electrical circuitry is verified through cuts with different degrees of carbonization and cuts through tissue heterojunctions.

Adipose Tissue↗

Patient "grounding".

Dispersive electrodes are often neglected or misused in electrosurgery. A dispersive electrode can increase electrosurgical safety and effectiveness. If misused, however, it can become the source of patient injury. The following article summarizes the proper use of dispersive electrodes and differentiates them from actual grounding.

Electric Conductivity↗

Electrosurgical treatment of etretinate-resistant Darier's disease.

Two patients with symptomatic, etretinate-resistant, intertriginous Darier's disease were successfully treated with deep split-thickness skin excision using an electrosurgical unit. Healing was rapid and recurrence of disease has been minimal. The use of electrosurgery appears superior to other surgical techniques because, with the ease of hemostasis, the surgeon can more easily control the depth of excision and treat intertriginous creases.

Aged↗

Current surgical management of skin cancer in dermatology.

Skin cancer has become a major public health problem in the United States and worldwide. Epidemiologic studies confirm a continued increase in the number of basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and malignant melanomas. Dermatologists, the primary caretakers of the skin, manage skin cancer with various modalities that have been time tested and found reliable, including excision, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Extirpative procedures for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are considered with attention to cure, restoration of function, and cosmesis--in that order. The dermatologic management of melanoma is critical because early diagnosis and treatment of thin lesions has been the only effective improvement in melanoma management in the last several decades. Wide excision, with a 1-3-cm margin, of thin stage I melanoma has moved surgical management from the operating room to the outpatient surgical setting. Management of these increasingly common problems, as reviewed here, is principally responsible for the growth of surgical practice as a subspecialty of dermatology.

Carcinoma↗

Radical surgical resection of locally invasive oro-cutaneous tumors in the buccal region of 2 horses.

OBJECTIVE: To report treatment and wound healing after radical surgical mass excision in the equine buccal region. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case reports. ANIMALS: An 11-year-old Warmblood gelding and a 9-year-old Norwegian Trotter gelding. METHODS: Large tumoral masses were removed from the buccal region by radical electrosurgery, creating large defects into the oral cavity. Wound ultimately healed by second intention. RESULTS: Buccal defects in both horses healed well by second intention without tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Locally invasive tumors involving the cheek region of the horse can be successfully treated by radical electroexcision alone, creating transmural defects up to 14 cm length x 8 cm height. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Large transmural defects in the cheek region of the horse, formed by radical surgery can heal satisfactorily by second intention healing without undue discomfort to the patient or major complications.

Animals↗

The present status of the gingivectomy procedure.

The use of the conventional gingivectomy procedure is indicated to achieve optimum gingival contour and to eliminate supra-alveolar pockets where these do not extend beyond the muco-gingival junction. The instrument of choice for the procedure is a gingivectomy knife. Where a blood-free field is required, electrosurgery may be used provided the instrument is not brought into contact with bone. The maintenance of good oral hygiene is essential.

Animals↗

Multiple complicated crown-root fracture of a permanent incisor.

The treatment of a transverse complicated and a vertical uncomplicated crown-root fractures with a horizontal root fracture of a maxillary right central incisor is presented. Coronal fragments were extracted atraumatically and gingivectomy was performed with electrosurgery to expose the subgingival fragment. The root canal was treated with calcium hydroxide to perform the healing at the fracture site. After the root fracture healing, a post was cemented into the canal and the coronal fragment was attached with a composite resin. Examination 18 months after treatment revealed good aesthetics and normal function.

Acetone↗