Cautery versus Scalpel: A Study on Surgical Incisions

Abstract

Introduction: Surgeons used to feel cumbersome with skin bleeding while making Surgical Incisions with scalpel. After invention
of diathermy surgeons felt comfort in controlling tissue bleeding. Even though we are traditionally using scalpel for skin incisions,
incisions made by High-frequency cautery are of more cosmetic, less time taking, less bleeding, less post-operative pain, no
ill effects on wound healing. Present data and literature available suggests that diathermy incisions are better than scalpel
Incisions. In the present study, cautery incisions are compared with scalpel incisions.
Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing elective surgeries in surgery Department of Government General Hospital,
Kakinada June 2012 to December 2013.
Results: Cautery incisions are more comfortable to the patients and surgeon. Cautery incisions are quick, less bleeding, less
post-operative pain, and cosmetic than scalpel incisions.
Conclusion: Diathermy incisions do not increase the chance of wound infection. Diathermy incisions have advantages over
the scalpel because of reduced incision time, less blood loss, reduced early post-operative pain, no usage of suture material,
more cosmetic.