What is one of the risks associated with electrosurgical equipment?

One of the risks associated with electrosurgical equipment is skin burns. Electrosurgery utilizes high-frequency electrical currents to cut tissue and coagulate blood vessels, which can generate significant heat. If proper technique and equipment settings are not followed, or if there is inadequate insulation on the active electrode, it can lead to unintended thermal injury to surrounding tissues, including the skin.

Understanding the potential for skin burns is crucial for all surgical team members to ensure the safe use of electrosurgical devices. It emphasizes the importance of proper placement of grounding pads, monitoring of the equipment, and diligent attention to the surgical site to avoid complications.