Evaluation of monopolar and bipolar electrocautery in normal and abnormal coagulation status

Bleeding disorders comprise a common problem among patients admitted to the operating theatre and electrocautery is a usual means of intraoperative hemostasis in the majority of operations. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and the complications of the use of the monopolar (ME) and bipolar (BE) electrocautery in experimental normal and abnormal coagulation status. 24 New Zealand rabbits were separated in 2 groups, A and B. Members of group B received anticoagulation treatment with acenocoumarol until bleeding diathesis was achieved, while members of group A received no medication. We performed electrocoagulation to the branches of the gastrepiploic vessels using the two types of electrocautery and on the 3(rd) postoperative day all rabbits were sacrificed and examined. We compared the results of the two methods of coagulation and observed the advantages of BE over ME in the abnormal coagulation conditions.