Bipolar cautery for sterilization by laparoscopy.

Abstract

After a brief review of the basic principles involved in electrosurgery the authors discuss the dangers inherent in the present methods of tubal cauterization by laparoscopy. A new bipolar instrument has been developed in order to eliminate some of the complications which have been reported in the past. The instrument known as a bipolar cautery gun eliminates the need for the ground plate or return electrode with its own dangers and its role in the production of intraabdominal sparking. Other advantages of the bipolar cautery gun include: 1) reduction of voltage level required by locating the 2 electrodes close to each other on either side of the tube destroying minimal amount of tissue; 2) elimination of the foot pedal and the danger associated with inadvertent activation; and 3) elimination of the care (washing and sterilizing) of these delicate instruments since the electrodes and trocar are disposable.