Because a portion of the tissue heated
by the ESU
turns to gas and will burn if made hot enough or if mixed with sufficient
oxygen, always evacuate the smoke
products of electrosurgery
and laser
surgery. Evacuation can be done with smoke evacuation devices and
suction coagulators. If using a suction coagulator, ensure that
the lumen remains patent during the procedure. Eschar
buildup at the tip of the coagulator can impede the evacuation of
smoke. If using a metal Yankauer or abdominal suction tube to evacuate
smoke, exercise extreme caution. Placing a metal suction too close
to the electrosurgery tip can result in metal-to-metal arcing, thus
creating a significant fire hazard.
Use water-soluble rather than oil-based substances to cover hair
and other body surfaces. Water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly,
are mostly water and will not burn; heat simply vaporizes the water
in the lubricant, cooling the area. Water-based lubricants can
be used to coat hair to make it resistant to combustion
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