Abstract
To the Editor— In a recent letter, we outlined the electric shock and burn hazards to personnel during laparoscopic sterilization by electrocautery. Subsequently, we have reviewed the available laparoscopic equipment and find no instruments that adequately safeguard against these hazards. But because of the increased patient morbidity associated with abdominal and vaginal tubal ligation, we have reinstituted laparoscopic tubal sterilization at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with these precautions: (1) An instrument with an insulated eyepiece and forceps handle is used. (2) A low voltage electrocautery device with an isolated output stage is used. (3) Operating personnel is informed on the safe use and attendant hazards of this equipment. (4) A strict preventive maintenance procedure is established. We would have instituted these precautions earlier if manufacturers of this equipment had effectively warned us of these hazards. Our present precautions represent only an interim measure and are not intended
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
