The possibility of potentially fatal stray electrosurgical burns exists every time one of your surgeons opts for the versatility and efficacy of monopolar electrosurgery. It shouldn't happen, but too many patients suffer each year from complications ranging from pain to death (see "Statistics That May Shock You"). But it's easy sometimes to forget just how dangerous routinely used equipment can be. With that in mind, here's a refresher on safe electrosurgery.