Question

During an open colon resection, the surgeon encounters a bleeding vessel. A Crile hemostat is clamped onto the vessel to stop the bleeding. While the surgeon is holding the clamp, the CST applies the tip of the activated electrosurgical pencil to the hemostat to coagulate the vessel. Suddenly, the surgeon pulls her hand away, yelling aloud. Upon examination, she discovers a pinpoint third-degree burn on her right index finger.

1. Where should the tip of the electrosurgical pencil be placed in relation to the surgeon’s fingers to reduce the risk of injury?

2. Explain the principles behind the two possible causes for the burn.

3. What complications might result from the burn injury?

4. What is acting as the insulating material in this situation?

5. What three factors contributed to what occurred in this situation?

Answer 1