Abstract

The widespread usage of electrosurgery during laparoscopy has made the two terms loosely synonymous. The past decade has seen continual advances in electrosurgical techniques and devices. The newer bipolar and ultrasonic devices with their advanced vessel sealing properties, better coagulation and transection abilities have heralded a revolution in laparoscopic surgery. The choices available to a laparoscopic surgeon are varied, ranging from basic unipolar and bipolar devices to the more advanced bipolar devices and ultrasonic technology based ones. This underlines the importance of thorough knowledge regarding mechanism, efficacy and safety of the available energy sources. The present review summarises the basic principles of electrosurgery and seeks to study the commonly used energy sources and compare them in terms of device performance and special features.