What are radiofrequency electrocautery devices used for?

Written in association with: Mr Mahantesh Karoshi
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

Here, Mr Mahantesh Karoshi, a highly experienced consultant gynaecologist, explains what radiofrequency electrocautery devices are typically used for, and reveals whether not these devices can be used as a treatment option for fibroids.  

What are radiofrequency electrocautery devices used for?

Radiofrequency electrocautery devices have been in use for more than 70 years to achieve direct tissue ablation, usually to reduce blood loss during surgical procedures

 

Advances in electrocautery technology have led to the development of monopolar and bipolar tissue ablation devices designed to destroy larger areas of tissue, particularly malignant tumours

 

When cells are heated above 45° to 50°C, intracellular proteins are denatured and cell membranes are destroyed through dissolution and melting of lipid bilayers. Thus, thermal ablation produces direct cyto-destruction in treated tissues. 

 

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a localised thermal treatment technique designed to destroy tumours by heating tumour tissue to temperatures that exceed 50°C
 

Can radiofrequency electrocautery devices be used to treat fibroids?

In recent years, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of fibroids has been presented as a less invasive alternative to treating symptomatic fibroids. RFA was developed by adopting techniques used to treat solid liver tumours and adapting them to the management of fibroids.

 

RFA uses real-time ultrasound to identify the fibroids and apply radiofrequency energy from a handpiece using a transcervical approach. Ultrasound guidance allows for the placement of radiofrequency needles directly into the fibroid to target local treatment to only the fibroid tissue only. 

 

Radiofrequency fibroid ablation produces hyperthermic energy that induces coagulative necrosis of the fibroid. Once the fibroid undergoes coagulative necrosis, the process of fibroid resorption and volume reduction occurs over weeks to months depending on the fibroid size. 

 

Visit Mr Mahantesh Karoshi's Top Doctors profile today to book an appointment with him.

By Mr Mahantesh Karoshi
Obstetrics & gynaecology

Mr Mahantesh Karoshi is a London-based women’s health expert and consultant gynaecologist, with a special interest in ovarian cysts, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, fibroids, and adenomyosis. He is currently one of the most highly-rated gynaecologists in London with a very good reputation amongst his patients and peers.

Mr Karoshi's work is recognised internationally, having volunteered in Ethiopia’s Gimbie Hospital, and later receiving the Bernhard Baron Travelling Fellowship from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists which led to his work in the University of Buenos Aires. Here he worked on the techniques needed to surgically manage morbidly adherent placental disorders - a serious condition that can occur in women with multiple caesarean sections.

He believes in an open doctor-patient relationship, being sure to include the patient and educating them so that they understand their condition better and they can be directly involved in their care and management at every stage. Aside from his clinical work, he is actively involved in research, which together with his experience, has given him the opportunity to publish the first stand-alone textbook on postpartum haemorrhage which was launched by HRH Princess Anne.

At the core of Mr Karoshi's practice is a high standard of professionalism where patients are involved in their treatment and where the latest techniques and advancements are used to provide an extremely high level of care.

View Profile

Overall assessment of their patients


  • Related procedures
  • Platelet-rich plasma
    Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
    Cosmetic Consulting
    Labiaplasty
    Vaginoplasty
    Breast reconstruction
    Congenital malformations
    Sexual dysfunction
    Laparoscopy
    Erectile dysfunction
    This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.