Does Type of Dissection for Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Affect Wound Outcome???

Abstract

Introduction: Choice of dissection scalpel versus electrosurgery for skin and subcutaneous tissue has been always a topic of debate. We in this study have aimed to compare the wound outcomes following both. Aims :Compare the wound outcome following scalpel versus electrosurgery incision for skin and subcutaneous tissues in all major abdominal surgeries, hernia repairs and thyroid surgeries. Methods and Materials: Prospective comparative study conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital from October 2013 to October 2015. Patients undergoing scalpel and electrosurgical dissection were compared in postoperative period for wound outcomes and data recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi Square Test and p-value calculated. Results: Sample size of 110 patients were studied in each group and followed up for wound outcome on Day 3,5 and 10 for erythema formation, serous discharge, purulent exudate and separation of deeper tissues. There was significant occurrence of erythema formation and serous discharge among the study groups but there was no statistically difference between the two groups. There was no significant occurrence of purulent exudate and separation of deeper tissues among the study groups. Conclusions: Results of the study showed there is no significant difference in postoperative wound infection rate or scar cosmesis in scalpel and electrosurgery group. Hence it is the surgeon choice to choose scalpel or electrosurgical dissection for skin and subcutaneous tissue.