ABSTRACT
Informed consent is the process by which a patient is provided with sufficient information to make an informed, reasoned decision regarding the proposed treatment. In surgical practice, respect for autonomy translates into the clinical duty to obtained informed consent before the commencement of treatment. In order for consent to be valid, three requirements must be met. It must be Informed, Voluntary (non-coerced) and Patient should be competent. Diathermy (electrocoagulation) is the passage of high-frequency alternating current (AC) to produce a localised heat effect resulting in local tissue destruction, sealing of blood vessels to arrest bleeding and cutting of tissues. Diathermy can interfere with pacemaker function. The two major potential complications are reprogramming and myocardial burns. This can result in cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac damage when diathermy is used in patients with implanted or external pacemakers.
