Estimating the Incidence of Stray Energy Burns during Laparoscopic Surgery based on Two Statewide Databases and Retrospective Rates: An Opportunity to Improve Patient Safety.

CONCLUSION: In this retrospective analysis of procedures performed in CA and FL, the estimated incidence of APL was 3.6 per 1000 cases. Patient morbidity and mortality were likely related to both pilot-error injuries and stray energy burns during laparoscopy. Possible solutions to reduce surgical complications from APL include educational programs to reduce pilot error and the incorporation of fail-safe technologies to eliminate stray energy burns, such as active electrode monitoring and use of non-radiofrequency current (true cautery). PMID: 30472721 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Surgical Technology International - Category: Surgery Tags: Surg Technol Int Source Type: research