21/09/2026
Electrosurgery plays an important role across many surgical specialties, yet the difference between monopolar and bipolar energy can often seem more complex than it really is.
At its core, the key difference is how the electrical current travels.
With monopolar electrosurgery, the current flows from the active electrode, through the patient’s body, and back to the generator through a patient return electrode.
With bipolar electrosurgery, the current travels between two electrodes built into the surgical instrument, creating a more localised electrical pathway.
Both techniques have well-established applications in modern surgery, with the choice depending on the procedure, instrument and clinical objective.
Understanding these fundamentals can help multidisciplinary teams feel more confident when discussing electrosurgical equipment, setup and training.
At BOWA MEDICAL UK, we believe that a strong understanding of the basics is the foundation for informed conversations about surgical technology.
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