Principles of Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery uses electrical energy to achieve incision, hemostasis, and resection of tissue. While electrosurgical generators have become increasingly, sophisticated they are not foolproof, and having a good understanding of how electrical principles apply to ERCP and other pancreaticobiliary interventions is essential. Here we explore the electrical principles that make sphincterotomy, ablation, stone fragmentation, and drainage of collections effective and safe.