Bipolar electrosurgical devices.

The authors point out the safety benefits of bipolar electrosurgical devices as opposed to monopolar. They describe the working principles of bipolar endoscopic coagulators, polyp snares, biopsy probes and papillotomes and laparoscopic forceps, hooks and scissors and deal with their specific functional and safety requirements. The use of bipolar devices is advocated, particularly in view of the anticipated increase in litigation costs.