Abstract
Monopolar diathermy is employed widely in surgery, but detailed examination of its use reveals that the full potential of the instrument as a dissecting tool is not always realised. Two factors compromise its use for accurate dissection: 1) the location and control of the hand control buttons; and 2) use of a needle point. This review demonstrates how the foot control (by allowing the instrument to be held closer to the tissues) and the round-tipped spatula end (by allowing blunt dissection without having to change instruments) can markedly increase the precision and efficiency of operative dissection.