Thermal injury due to electrosurgery

Abstract

Since the electrosurgical instruments are commonly used in a wide variety of surgical specialities, understanding of the properties of these instruments is very important to prevent the potential complications. We report the case of a patient who sustained a third-degree dermal burn caused by contact with the ground plate of the electrosurgical system. This burn healed with surgical treatment. Since electrosurgery causes serious complications, surgeon and operating suite personnel should pay attention to the electrosurgical system during the operation. Additionally, patients must be informed about these complications.