Electrosurgery principles: cutting current and cutaneous surgery--Part I.

Cutting current is a valuable tool in the office surgical practice due to its speed, efficiency, and economy. Most electrosurgical generators produce a blended wave form that coagulates the tissue as it is cut. Care should be taken to see that the patient is adequately grounded with a dispersive electrode to prevent cutaneous burns. The cutting of the tissue should be brisk and with the smallest electrode and power setting possible. By using careful electrosurgical technique, the surgeon can produce an incised wound that heals as well as one created by cold steel excision.