n. an instrument consisting of a wire loop designed to remove polyps, tumours, and other projections of tissue, particularly those occurring in body cavities (see illustration). The loop is used to encircle the base of the tumour and is then pulled tight. See also diathermy.
n. the production of heat in a part of the body by means of a high-frequency electric current passed between two electrodes. Diathermy is utilized to coagulate tissues and seal off blood vessels, thus effecting *haemostasis. In bipolar diathermy electric current passes between the two electrodes of the instrument. In monopolar diathermy the instrument is one electrode, the other being a large pad applied to another part of the patient’s body. Examples of instruments used to deliver diathermy include diathermy knives, forceps, and scissors. Diathermy snares and needles can be used to destroy unwanted tissue and to remove small superficial neoplasms. See also electrosurgery.... diathermy
n. the endoscopic or surgical removal of a *polyp. The technique used depends upon the site and size of the polyp. Endoscopically, polyps can be removed by various methods. A hot biopsy involves coagulation of a small polyp using a diathermy current passed through biopsy forceps, which obtains a sample for analysis at the same time. Cold biopsy involves removal of a polyp using forceps alone, thereby decreasing the perforation risk. Snare polypectomy uses a wire loop (snare) to cut through the base of the polyp. This is performed with or without a diathermy current (hot snare vs. cold snare); the current reduces the risk of bleeding by coagulating local blood vessels as the snare cuts through the polyp. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) involves lifting a flat polyp by injecting a hypertonic solution into the submucosa beneath the polyp followed by snare polypectomy with diathermy. Nasal polyps may be removed using *endoscopic sinus surgery techniques, sometimes utilizing a *microdebrider.... polypectomy
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