Title : Radiofrequency Ablation in dermatosurgery
Abstract:
Radiofrequency ablation is a popular and versatile dermato-surgical procedure used for surgical management of skin lesions by using various forms of alternating current at an Ultra high frequency.This presentation will discuss various aspects of radiofrequency surgery like -
- The reasons for its popularity
- Its differentiation from Electrocautry
- Principle of RFA
- Factors affecting the efficacy of RFA
- Specifications and details of ESU (Electrosurgical Unit)
- Monopolar versus bipolar Radiofrequency.
- Major treatment modalities in Radiofrequency
- Common indications for Radiofrequency surgery
- Pre- operative evaluation of patients
- Precautions while using ESU
- Note about surgical smoke
This short theoretical presentation will be followed by pre and post operative pictures of my patients who underwent radiofrequency surgery for various indications. These include mole removal, removal of seborrheic keratosis, ear lobe repair using RF, repair of nose piercing, debulking of ear lobe keloid using RF followed by intralesional steroid injection, giant skin tag removal, cyst excision, removal of colloid milium, scar revision surgery on forehead, removal of basal cell carcinoma and removal of extensive verruca plana on face.This would be followed by four video demonstrations of procedures done using radiofrequency machine. The video demonstrations include –
- Removal of verruca vulgaris over scalp
- Removal of mole over face
- Skin biopsy using RF
- Excision of a lump from arm which turned out to be Granular Cell Tumour on histopathology examination.
Audience Take Away Points:
- This presentation can provide useful information especially for young dermatologists who are still in the early stage of their career.
- This can be the most effective tool for beginners being very cost effective and versatile.
- RFA scores much higher than conventional cold steel surgery in dermatosurgical procedures due to its ease of operation, bloodless field and minimal scarring.