Prevention of accidental burns in the use of diathermy

In older to decrease accidental burn in the use of diathermy, records of patients with diagnosis of diathermy injuries seen at the Tri-service General Hospital during the past four years were reviewed. In the first three years, medical staff did not pay special attention to preventive procedures. But, in the recent year (from 1 September 1998 to 30 June 1999), surgical teams paid more attention to the preventive procedures. The preventive procedures of diathermy injuries included educating medical staff and using lower voltages during electrosurgery. Placement of mattresses for prolonged operating time was also performed in the recent one year. Main outcomes were measured by depth, size, and location of the diathermy. The incidence rate of diathermy was reduced from 0.053% to 0.021%. The conclusion of this study was that preventive procedures can effectively decrease the occurrence of skin injuries in the use of diathermy.