Physics of radiofrequency in proctology.

Radiosurgery is a new technique that utilizes an instrument, the radiofrequency bistoury, which is able to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissues with the emission of radiofrequencies. The first experiments about the utilization of radiofrequency currents on man were conducted between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The first medical field of application was in oncology leading to the development of hyperthermia as an anticancer treatment. During the 80's the radiofrequencies have been introduced in cardiology to thermally ablate stable arrhythmic foci. Actually ear, nose, and throat surgery, dermatology, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery and minimally invasive surgery use this new tool in their practice. The authors show the classification of radio fre quencies in the electromagnetic field, describe their historic development, their physics and their initial clinical applications by making a systematic review of the literature.