Surgical pearl: a simplified technique of using disposable needles as electrodes

Electrosurgery is a very common procedure in dermatology. Accordingly, we regularly need aseptic electrodes for the electrosurgery units; these electrodes are mostly supplied with the machines. Needle and blade electrodes are used up when operating the devices, meaning that the supply diminishes quickly in the clinic. In addition, the electrode of an electrosurgical device does not fit into another device. In case of an emergency, the treating doctors become helpless. In that situation, the hypodermic needle has been used as an electrode after a modification. The proximal part of the broken needle is bent in a small V or J shape to fit well into the handpiece of the device 1,2.