Comparison of Incision Given with Electrocautery Versus Stainless Steel Scalpel for Neck Dissection in Oral Cancer Patients
Incision Given with Electrocautery Versus Stainless Steel Scalpel for Neck Dissection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i11.3427Keywords:
Electrocautery, Scalpels, Blood Loss, Surgical TimeAbstract
Both scalpels and electrocautery are frequently used for incisions during surgery, and each has an impact on postoperative scarring, bleeding, and operating efficiency. Objective examination of neck scars is clinically significant since visible scars may affect quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate the differences between scalpel and electrocautery incisions in neck dissection about of scar quality, surgical time, and blood loss as determined by the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS). Methods: In a prospective comparative cross-sectional study, a total of 76 patients who were having neck dissections at Sharif Medical and Dental College were included and divided into two equal groups (n=38 for scalpels and another 38 for electrocautery). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine intraoperative blood loss and surgical duration. Thirty days after surgery, the MSS was used to evaluate the scar's colour, gloss, contour, and distortion. The results were compared using the Chi-square test. Results: Both surgical time (33 vs. 42 minutes, p<0.001) and blood loss (123 mL vs. 240 mL, p<0.001) were dramatically decreased by electrocautery. There were no significant differences in scar colour (p=0.341), contour (p=0.359), or distortion (p=0.364) between the groups; however, glossy scars were more common with electrocautery (34.2% vs. 15.8%, p=0.022). Conclusions: Except for a higher frequency of shiny scars, electrocautery gives comparable scar results to knife incisions, but with a shorter operating time and less blood loss. When choosing a technique, aesthetic considerations are still crucial.
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