Electrosurgery: heating, sparking and electrical arcs.

The translation of impedance (R), current (I), and voltage (V) into tissue effects and the understanding of the settings of electrosurgical units is not obvious if judged by the many questions during live surgery. Below 200 V, the current heats the tissue until the steam of boiling stops the current. Thus, slower heating, because of less energy or a larger contact area, results in deeper coagulation.

Breast cancer screening in women taking hormone replacement therapy needs updating.

Breast cancer screening by mammography is widely used. The diagnostic accuracy is limited, with a positive predictive value of 16%. Therefore, a stepwise investigation, with repeat mammography and confirmation by pathology, is usually proposed.

The importance of rotation to teach secure half-hitch sequences in surgery.

Background: Knot security of half-knot (H) sequences varies with rotation, but half-knots risk destabilisation.

Objectives: To investigate the rotation of half-hitch (S) sequences on knot security.

Materials And Methods: The loop and knot security of symmetrical and asymmetrical sliding and blocking half-hitch sequences was measured using a tensiometer.