Steel scalpel versus electrocautery blade: comparison of cosmetic and patient satisfaction outcomes of different incision methods.
OBJECTIVE
To determine which method of skin incision has superior cosmetic and patient satisfaction outcomes.


METHODS
Consenting patients undergoing bilateral neck dissection who met the inclusion criteria were prospectively enrolled. Each side of the neck was randomly assigned into one of the following two groups: scalpel incision and electrocautery incision. Cosmetic and patient satisfaction outcomes were collected prospectively with patients and outcome assessors blinded to group assignment. Validated self-report questionnaires and objective scar measures were used.


RESULTS
Nineteen patients met the criteria for inclusion. Analysis revealed no significant differences between groups in terms of cosmetic or satisfaction outcomes. Use of the steel scalpel was found to result in significantly greater incision-related blood loss compared with use of the electrocautery blade.


CONCLUSIONS
Steel scalpel or electrocautery may be used to incise the skin of patients undergoing bilateral neck dissection with no difference in cosmetic or patient satisfaction outcome. The steel scalpel yields greater incision-related blood loss compared with the electrocautery blade.
Chau
Jason K M
JK
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
Dzigielewski
Peter
P
Mlynarek
Alex
A
Cote
David W
DW
Allen
Heather
H
Harris
Jeffery R
JR
Seikaly
Hadi R
HR
D000368:Aged; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments