Comparative study between scalpel versus electrocautery incisions in abdominal surgeries

Abstract

Aims: This study is to compare the outcome of diathermy incisions versus steel scalpel incisions in abdominal surgeries with regard to incision time, incision related blood loss, post-operative pain and post-operative wound infection / complication. Materials and methods: This is a prospective randomized comparative clinical study involving 116 patients. 58 patients were randomly assigned to undergo incision either with scalpel or electrocautery. Results were analysed based on the findings. Results: Incision time and incisional blood loss is lesser in electrocautery incisions when compared to scalpel incisions. This is an encouraging fact in view of routine use of electrocautery for taking abdominal incisions after observing all necessary aseptic precautions. There was no significant difference in terms of post-operative pain and wound complications according to the data. Conclusion: Electrosurgical instruments can be used as an alternate safer option for surgical incisions.