Comparative study on Cutting diathermy Versus Scalpel incision in elective midline abdominal surgeries

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays there are numerous energy devices available for surgeon. Diathermy is widely available in all Surgical Theatres and are less frequently used for Skin incision due to fear of tissue damage. This study aims to compare the Efficacy of Diathermy compared to Scalpel in patients undergoing Elective Midline Abdominal Surgeries. METHODS: This is a prospective study on 90 patients who are all admitted in Govt. Rajaji Hospital in General Surgery Department to undergo various abdominal surgeries through midline opening. All patients are randomized into two groups according to which they undergo skin incision either by Scalpel or Diathermy. The variable taken into account for this study are incision line, incision related blood loss, post-operative pain, post-operative wound complications and the results were analysed. RESULTS: Patients underwent skin incision through diathermy have shorter incision time and less incision related blood loss and there is no difference in the post-operative pain and post-operative wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: After the study, it is concluded that the Diathermy can be used as an effective alternative to the Scalpel for skin incision. It does not affect wound healing while using mono-polar diathermy in power settings of 30Watts