Diathermy Forceps Research Articles

Preliminary experiences with microscopic tonsillectomy

Experiences with a modified technique of tonsillectomy are described. The surgery is performed viewing the tonsil through the operating microscope and using the bipolar diathermy forceps for dissection and diathermy of blood vessels. In a pilot-study of 70 patients, the microscopic method was found to be an elegant technique which substantially reduced intra-operative blood loss and did not prolong surgery. Post-operative morbidity will be assessed in a further study.

Salpingectomy by operative laparoscopy and subsequent reproductive performance

Between January 1984 and August 1991, 511 cases of extrauterine pregnancies were diagnosed by laparoscopy in our department. In 374 cases salpingectomy was performed: 184 by explorative laparotomy, and 190 by operative laparoscopy. Patients were scheduled for salpingectomy if one or more of the following criteria were fulfilled: (i) a ruptured tube which was surgically unsuitable for conservation; (ii) no interest in future fertility; (iii) tubes with ectopic gestation previously operated on; (iv) a previous tubal pregnancy on the same side, which was treated expectantly. Salpingectomy was performed via operative laparoscopy with bipolar diathermy forceps and laparoscopic scissors. Pregnancy rates, i.e. intra-uterine and repeat extra-uterine, were evaluated. The reproductive performance following salpingectomy did not differ significantly, whether by laparotomy or laparoscopy: the intra-uterine pregnancy rate was 78 and 64%, respectively and the repeat ectopic pregnancy rate was 12 and 6%, respectively. Salpingectomy via laparoscopy can be performed safely with a low incidence of complications, with subsequent reproductive performance comparable to laparotomy.

Cleaning of bipolar diathermy forceps during operation

Cleaning of bipolar diathermy forceps during operation

Cleaning of bipolar diathermy forceps during operation.

Cleaning of bipolar diathermy forceps during operation.

Bipolar diathermy forceps with automatic irrigation. Technical note.

A method for providing a saline drip during bipolar diathermy is described. Stainless steel tubing is incorporated in both blades of standard bipolar forceps and connected to the irrigating line. Irrigation is started when the forceps are closed and is stopped when they are open.

Coloscopy in the Management of Bowel Disease

With fiberoptic endoscopes as long as 185 cm, it is now possible to inspect the entire length of the large intestine under direct vision; moreover, with passage of a diathermy loop and forceps, the instruments permit some types of disease, especially colonic carcinoma and polyps, to be treated with relative ease. Often conclusive in situations where x-ray is not, coloscopy carries very few counterindications.

Hazards of laparoscopy.

I was interested to read Mr. M. McD. Usherwood's account of the breakage of Palmer's diathermy forceps (June 30, p. 773). I have had the same problem during a laparoscopic sterilization. Another pair of Palmer's forceps was not immediately available, but fortunately it was possible to remove the broken claw of the forceps by means of sigmoidoscopy biopsy forceps through the cannula, and after a short interval the sterilization was completed by the laparoscopic method. The forceps were almost new, and I wonder if these were isolated incidents or whether some of the current instruments available are not strong enough for this purpose.

Self-irrigating bipolar diathermy forceps. Technical note.

✓ A method for providing continuous saline drip in bipolar diathermy is described, which uses stainless steel tubing fixed to one blade of a standard bipolar forceps and connected to the irrigating line.

Ergonomics of diathermy forceps design.

An accepted advantage of surgical diathermy is the shorter time for many surgical procedures. The forceps used for this purpose are analysed in relation to an ergonomic study of hand grips and the related hand movements. This leads logically to design improvements of a type which can be applied more generally. Much surgical equipment design depends on tradition or accident rather than functional needs. Ideal design at present appears to be correctly sprung dissecting forceps with a precoiled lead attached at right angles to the flat handle surface; such a precoiled lead has yet to be made.

COMBINED DIATHERMY FORCEPS AND SCISSORS

COMBINED DIATHERMY FORCEPS AND SCISSORS