Fundamentals of electrosurgery.

Electrosurgery uses electricity to remove tissue, coagulate bleeding, or destroy tumors. Modern units, first developed for application in neurosurgery, are now available in office models that are most commonly used by the family physician for cutaneous surgery. Electrosurgery can accomplish cutting, coagulation, desiccation, and fulguration. Electrosurgical equipment for the office is relatively inexpensive and portable. The main advantage of this surgical modality is rapid completion of the procedure with minimal surgical time, because hemostasis occurs at the time of the incision. After some basic instruction and initial practice on animal tissue, which are provided through the guidance of several excellent texts or continuing education courses, the family physician can readily apply electrosurgery in an office-based practice safely, efficiently, and with satisfying results.