Common uses and cited complications of energy in surgery

• Published in: Surgical endoscopy Vol. 27; no. 9; pp. 3056 - 3072
• Main Authors: Sankaranarayanan, Ganesh, Resapu, Rajeswara R., Jones, Daniel B., Schwaitzberg, Steven, De, Suvranu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.09.2013; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdominal Surgery; Animals; Argon Plasma Coagulation - adverse effects; Argon Plasma Coagulation - instrumentation; Burns; Catheter Ablation - adverse effects; Catheter Ablation - instrumentation; Curricula; Electrical Equipment and Supplies; Electrodes; Electrosurgery - adverse effects; Electrosurgery - instrumentation; Endoscopy; Energy resources; Equipment Safety; Fires; Gastroenterology; Gynecology; Hemostasis, Surgical - adverse effects; Hemostasis, Surgical - instrumentation; Hepatology; Humans; Keywords; Laparoscopy; Laser Therapy - adverse effects; Laser Therapy - instrumentation; Lasers; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - instrumentation; Patient Safety; Proctology; Radio frequency; Radio Waves - adverse effects; Radio Waves - therapeutic use; Review; Surgeons; Surgery; Ultrasonic Therapy - adverse effects; Ultrasonic Therapy - instrumentation; United States > US; Minimally invasive surgery; Laser; Fire; Electrosurgery; Harmonic scalpel; Argon beam coagulation; Radio frequency ablation; Ultrasonic; Thermal damage; Embolism
• ISSN: 0930-2794; 1432-2218
• DOI: 10.1007/s00464-013-2823-9

Background Instruments that apply energy to cut, coagulate, and dissect tissue with minimal bleeding facilitate surgery. The improper use of energy devices may increase patient morbidity and mortality. The current article reviews various energy sources in terms of their common uses and safe practices. Methods For the purpose of this review, a general search was conducted through NCBI, SpringerLink, and Google. Articles describing laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgeries using single or multiple energy sources are considered, as are articles comparing various commercial energy devices in laboratory settings. Keywords, such as laparoscopy, energy, laser, electrosurgery, monopolar, bipolar, harmonic, ultrasonic, cryosurgery, argon beam, laser, complications, and death were used in the search. Results A review of the literature shows that the performance of the energy devices depends upon the type of procedure. There is no consensus as to which device is optimal for a given procedure. The technical skill level of the surgeon and the knowledge about the devices are both important factors in deciding safe outcomes. Conclusions As new energy devices enter the market increases, surgeons should be aware of their indicated use in laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open surgery.