Comparative cosmetic outcome of surgical incisions created by the PEAK Plasma Blade and a scalpel after cesarean section by Patient and Observer Assessment Scale (POSAS): A randomized double blind study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the cosmetic result of the PEAK Plasma Blade with traditional scalpel in patients who had primary cesarean delivery by using POSAS (Patient and Observer Assessment Scale). Material and methodsFourty women between 20 and 40 years, who were planning to have primary cesarean delivery, were randomized for skin incision with PEAK Plasma Blade (n:20) and with scalpel (n:20) were blinded to their group allocation. At six months, the cosmetic outcome of the cesarean scar was assessed using the POSAS. Subjective scar rating was performed using the patient component of the POSAS. Objective scar assessment was performed by an observer dermatologist blinded to the patient's group allocation. ResultsThe observer scores (p = 0,003), patient scores (p = 0,001) and the total scores (p = 0,001) of the POSAS scale were significantly lower in favor of the Peak Plasma Blade group with respect to the scalpel group. ConclusionThe PEAK Plasma Blade has superior cosmetic outcome compared to traditional scalpel skin incision at cesarean section.