REVIEWS   

Otorinolaringologia 2002 December;52(4):143-6

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Radiosurgery in otorhinolaryngology

Restivo S., Speciale R., Gargano R., Di Leo R., Gallina S.

Clinica Otorinolaringoiatrica «Base» Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo

Radiosurgery is a technique different from conventional surgery which used electro-scalpel; infact, in this method, the current does not pass through the body of the patient. Radiosurgery is based on high frequency radio waves (optimum: 3.8 MHz). The radiosurgery setup includes a machine that produces high voltage and high frequency current (1.5-4 MHz), an active electrode, a passive electrode as antenna and a foot-switch. Moreover, the machine produces radio waves which can be properly rectified and filtered. The parameters to be used in order to obtain the best results in radiofrequency application are presented; and personal experience in ENT is reported and advantages are underlined.