Cervantes-Sánchez CR, Cu-Zetina C, Serrano-Rico E, Rojero-Vallejo J, Lazos-Ochoa M, Gutiérrez-Vega R

Language: Spanish
References: 9
Page: 11-14
PDF size: 102.54 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The use of electrocautery is a common practice for the surgeon, instead of scalpel for the creation of incisions. Until this moment it is accepted that electrocautery may be used safely to incise all layers, but skin. Objective: To compare scalpel against electrocautery to create dermal incisions. Methods: Experimental, comparative, prospective and longitudinal trial in Wistar rats. Group I (control) with scalpel. Group II (experimental) with electrocautery. Measuring skin color, gross appearance, and elevation over dermis, as well as inflammatory infiltrate, amount of fibroblasts and collagen deposition after 6 weeks of creation. Results: Macroscopically indistinguishable in color, gross appearance and elevation over dermis. In regard histological evaluation there was no statistical difference between incisions created with scalpel or with electrocautery. Conclusion: Same wound result were obtained when incising rat’s skin with scalpel or with electrocautery, after six weeks of observation.

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