title: Diathermocoagulation in cutting mode and large flap dissection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to determine the overall complication rate associated with the use of diathermocoagulation in cutting mode for flap dissection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Because of the high rate of complications generally associated with abdominoplasty, a large flap, abdominoplasty, or abdominal dermolipectomy model was chosen. A retrospective review was conducted regarding 647 abdominoplasty procedures, 320 of which were performed with the monopolar diathermocoagulation in the cutting mode and 327 of which were performed with a steel scalpel. The two groups were similar regarding morphologic characteristics, prescriptions, and procedures. In both cases, hemostasis was performed with punctual monopolar coagulation current. Analysis was performed regarding the frequency of major general complications (e.g., deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), major surgical complications (e.g., acute hemorrhage), and "minor" complications (e.g., postoperative secondary collections or delayed wound healing).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the electrosurgery group, the incidence of noninfectious collections was significantly higher, as was the production of the drains. No difference was seen in terms of reintervention for acute hematoma, postoperative infectious collections, blood loss, hospital stay, or thromboembolic complications. Operations took significantly longer with the steel scalpel. The follow-up was significantly longer in the diathermocoagulation group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Monopolar diathermocoagulation has already proven its place in the general work of every surgeon. Moreover, this technique remains superior in terms of the rapidity with which surgery can be performed when dissecting large areas. Nevertheless, the higher rate of surgical complications leads to a longer follow-up period that, in part, runs counter to this advantage.
authors.affiliation: Angers and Poitiers, France From the Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Unit, University Hospital.
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rousseau
authors.forename: Huguier
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vincent
authors.forename: Benoit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Potier
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Arnaud
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Darsonval
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing