Panel discussion: electrosurgery in laparoscopy.

The basic principles of safe use of laparoscopic electrosurgical procedures are discussed. The major topics considered are: 1) fundamentals of electric current and guidelines for minimizing hazards in the use of electrosurgical currents in laparoscopic procedures 2) principles of electrosurgical instrumentation 3) possibilities of bipolar application to laparoscopy. In addition several topics are discussed very briefly including: 1) the area and resistance of the ground plate as factors in accidental burns 2) the possibility of igniting flammable prep agents 3) the difference between coagulation and cutting current and 4) clonic movement in the legs during coagulation. 2 tables are presented: 1) a chart showing the voltage current resistance and power generated for various electrosurgical procedures and 2) a CSV Bovie vs Cameron-Miller electrical activity chart.