BJU international
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To assess critical heat spread of cautery instruments used in robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) surgery. ⋯ All coagulation devices used in RAL surgery have distinct thermal spreads depending on power setting and application time. Cautery may be of concern due to lateral temperature spread, causing potential damage to sensitive structures including nerves. Our results provide surgeons with a resource for educated decision-making when using coagulation devices during robotic procedures.