Role of the argon beam coagulator in facial rejuvenation surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the hemostatic effectiveness of a new electrosurgical unit, the argon beam coagulator, with current methods of electrocoagulation.


METHODS
A nonrandomized control trial of 20 patients undergoing rhytidectomy.


METHODS
Two academic tertiary referral medical centers.


METHODS
Twenty male patients having moderate to major degrees of facial ptosis.


METHODS
All 20 patients underwent a standard rhytidectomy with hemostasis provided by the argon beam coagulator on the right side and conventional electrocoagulation on the left side.


METHODS
Improved hemostasis with minimal depth of injury, length of procedure, decreased blood loss, edema, and ecchymosis, and the ability to coagulate indiscriminately around and over neural tissue without damage (all listed in the literature as advantages of the argon beam coagulator).


RESULTS
Poor hemostatic ability was observed with concomitant increased incidence of blood loss, edema and ecchymosis, major hematoma, and length of surgery. Also noted were increased rates of flap compromise and the potential for damage to vital neural structures.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results do not agree with the list of advantages attributed to the argon beam coagulator in the literature.
Reino
A J
AJ
Department of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Lawson
W
W
D000368:Aged; D004598:Electrosurgery; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome