Mathematical modelling of thermal and electrical processes during electrosurgical resection of colorectal polyps

Abstract

This paper is devoted to mathematical modelling of thermal processes in the polyp-colon system during electrosurgical polypectomy. This medical surgery (colonoscopy) is used to remove abnormal growths from the colon (the large intestine) in order to reduce the risk of the colon cancer development.In the electrosurgical polypectomy procedure, a polypectomy snare is passed over the polyp and tightened around the stalk of the polyp. Electric current is then passed for a few seconds through the snare loop to cut off the polyp stalk from the colon wall. The differential equations describing the processes occurring during polypectomy have been proposed. Also, examples of numerical calculations have been presented. Simulation results depending on the geometry (size) of the polyp can be useful for the endoscopist to choice the optimal time and parametrics of the electric current flow by tissues during the endoscopy procedure.