Lalgudi Dorairajan Prakash1, Nitesh Balaji2, Sathasivam Suresh Kumar3, Vikram Kate4. 1. Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India. Electronic address: doraiprakash@gmail.com. 2. Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India. Electronic address: nitesh.pagadala@gmail.com. 3. Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India. Electronic address: drsureshkumar08@yahoo.com. 4. Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India. Electronic address: drvikramkate@gmail.com.
Abstract
AIM & OBJECTIVES: To compare the electrocautery incision with scalpel incision in patients undergoing abdominal surgery using a midline incision with respect to incision time, blood loss during incision, postoperative incision site pain and wound infection. METHODS:Patients undergoing midline abdominal surgery were randomized into electrocautery and scalpel groups. The incision dimensions, incision time and blood loss during incision were noted intraoperatively. Postoperative pain and wound infection were recorded on every postoperative day for one week. RESULTS:41 patients in each of the two groups were analyzed. Gender and age distribution was similar in both the groups. The mean incision time per unit wound area in the electrocautery group and scalpel group was 9.40 ± 3.37 s/cm(2) and 9.07 ± 3.40 s/cm(2) (p = 0.87) respectively. The mean blood loss per unit wound area was significantly lower in the electrocautery group at 6.46 ± 3.94 ml when compared to that of 23.40 ± 15.28 ml in the scalpel group (p= < 0.0001, CI = 11.97-21.89). There was no significant difference in pain on any of the postoperative days between the two groups and there was no significant difference in the wound infection rates between the electrocautery and scalpel groups (14.63% vs. 12.19%; p = 0.347). CONCLUSION: With a comparable Postoperative incision site pain, wound infection rate and significantly lower blood loss with the equal time taken for the incision, electrocautery can be considered safe and effective in making skin incision in midline laparotomy compared to scalpel incision.
RCT Entities:
AIM & OBJECTIVES: To compare the electrocautery incision with scalpel incision in patients undergoing abdominal surgery using a midline incision with respect to incision time, blood loss during incision, postoperative incision site pain and wound infection. METHODS:Patients undergoing midline abdominal surgery were randomized into electrocautery and scalpel groups. The incision dimensions, incision time and blood loss during incision were noted intraoperatively. Postoperative pain and wound infection were recorded on every postoperative day for one week. RESULTS: 41 patients in each of the two groups were analyzed. Gender and age distribution was similar in both the groups. The mean incision time per unit wound area in the electrocautery group and scalpel group was 9.40 ± 3.37 s/cm(2) and 9.07 ± 3.40 s/cm(2) (p = 0.87) respectively. The mean blood loss per unit wound area was significantly lower in the electrocautery group at 6.46 ± 3.94 ml when compared to that of 23.40 ± 15.28 ml in the scalpel group (p= < 0.0001, CI = 11.97-21.89). There was no significant difference in pain on any of the postoperative days between the two groups and there was no significant difference in the wound infection rates between the electrocautery and scalpel groups (14.63% vs. 12.19%; p = 0.347). CONCLUSION: With a comparable Postoperative incision site pain, wound infection rate and significantly lower blood loss with the equal time taken for the incision, electrocautery can be considered safe and effective in making skin incision in midline laparotomy compared to scalpel incision.
Authors: Mendy Hatibie Oley; Maximillian Christian Oley; Billy Johnson Kepel; Christian Manginstar; Rangga Rawung; Fima Lanra Fredrik G Langi; David Barends; Deanette Michelle R Aling; Angelica Maurene Joicetine Wagiu; Muhammad Faruk Journal: Ann Med Surg (Lond) Date: 2021-11-01