ENDOBRONCHIAL ELECTROCAUTERY

Electrocautery using high-frequency current is a relatively new techni que in the tracheobronchial field for the destruction of tumor or infl ammatory tissues, High-frequency surgery uses the thermal effect of th e electric current, avoiding the electrolytic and capacitance effects, Soft coagulation (white coagulation) is induced by slow heating up to 70 to 100 degrees C, causing tissue vaporization, This procedure can be done using a rigid or a flexible bronchoscope, Unipolar electrodes are currently used rather than bipolar probes, Strict rules of isolati on must be applied concerning patient, endoscopist, and equipment, Hig h-frequency electrocautery has an immediate effect, somewhat (laser-li ke.'' It's a simple technique for rapid palliation and immediate tumor debulking in patients with tracheobronchial lesions, The equipment is relatively cheap, but the use of specially insulated fiberoptic bronc hoscopes is highly recommended, Morbidity is low, but further clinical and experimental studies are needed to evaluate the complication rate , High-frequency electrocautery could be very useful, particularly in countries where treatment by means of laser is not available because o f the prohibitive cost.