Diamond laser scalpel vs. steel scalpel: a side by side comparison of cutaneous wound healing.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the cutaneous wound healing using the diamond laser scalpel with wound healing using a steel scalpel and electrocoagulation for hemostasis.


METHODS
A prospective and randomized, comparative trial was conducted on eighteen patients. Fusiform excisions were performed using the diamond laser scalpel on one half of each excision and a steel scalpel with electrocoagulation for hemostasis on the other half. The Clinicon SureBlade diamond laser scalpel was used with the Luxar CO(2) attachment at the 6-8-W settings. Blinded assessment of adverse events and photographs were taken at 1 day, 7-10 days, 4 weeks, and 8-12 weeks. The final scar was evaluated at 8-12 weeks for cosmetic outcome and three physicians blinded to the method of excision evaluated photographs of the wounds. Histologic evaluation was performed on all excisions for collateral thermal damage.


RESULTS
Investigator assessment showed no statistically significant differences between the diamond laser scalpel side and the steel scalpel side with respect to bleeding, bruising, swelling, pain, dehiscence, or final scar appearance. The mean residual thermal damage was 350.3 microm (95% CI +/- 37 microm, P < 0.001). The diamond laser scalpel scored higher on intra-operative coagulation (P = 0.20) although these differences were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The cosmetic outcomes of cutaneous excisions performed with the diamond laser scalpel are equivalent to excisions performed with steel scalpels with electrocoagulation for hemostasis.
Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
Douglas M
DM
Keel
Mitchel P
MP
Goldman
Richard E
RE
Fitzpatrick
Kimberly J
KJ
Butterwick
D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D018130:Diamond; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013232:Steel; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
D013232:Steel; D018130:Diamond