What should you know about monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical units?

In monopolar electrosurgery, energy travels from a small active electrode through the target tissue toward a separate return electrode. In bipolar electrosurgery, both sides of the energy path are incorporated into the instrument, so the current is concentrated between its tips. The choice depends on the procedure, tissue, body site, and safety considerations. Neither label tells you whether a skin growth is benign; that question requires clinical assessment.

Before treatment, mention a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, medicines that affect bleeding, metal or adhesive allergies, and a tendency to form thick scars. Ask how the area should be cleaned and covered afterward. Protect the site from friction and sun, and do not remove a crust or apply strong products without instructions.

Contact the clinic if discomfort, swelling, heat, redness, or drainage is increasing. Get urgent help for bleeding that will not stop, rapidly spreading redness, fever, severe pain, or breathing difficulty. Have any returning or changing growth checked, since energy treatment does not replace follow-up.

Ask why monopolar or bipolar energy is proposed, whether a return electrode is required, what anaesthetic is planned, whether tissue will be tested, and what recovery signs are expected.