ABSTRACT
Electrosurgery is a widely used modality in dermatologic surgery. Modern electrosurgical units use transistors to create a multitude of frequencies and waveforms that can be optimized to treat various benign and malignant skin disorders. They can be classified as monopolar or bipolar, and monoterminal or biterminal. A monopolar electrode usually comes in the form of a needle or ball-shaped tip that transfers concentrated electric current to the surgical site. Bipolar configuration typically functions in the form of special forceps that contain both an active and a return electrode. Preoperative evaluation must include an assessment of the patient's risk factors for the procedure and potential safety concerns for the surgical team. Electrocautery is one of the earliest forms of surgical techniques that involve the use of electricity and Joule heating for treating skin lesions. Care should also be taken when monopolar surgery is performed on thin extremities including fingers, toes, and penis.
