Scalpel Vs Diathermy Skin Incision in Maxillo-facial Surgery, A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of scalpel versus diathermy skin incision in maxillofacial surgery.
Material and Methods: This Study design was randomized controlled trial and place and duration of study was CMH Medical College, Lahore from 1st July to 30th December 2023. A total of 138 patients planned to undergo maxillofacial surgery were included in the study. Patients were divided randomly through paper lottery method into “scalpel group” and “diathermy group” containing equal number of patients. Post-operatively, patients in both groups were assessed at one month follow up for the wound outcomes. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.
Results: Mean age was 52.65±17.19 years. There were 96 (69.56%) male and 42 (30.44%) female patients. Mean operative time, mean blood loss and mean pain VAS at day 3 was significantly less in diathermy group, (p<0.001). Frequency of wound infection at day 14 follow up in scalpel group was 6 (8.69%) while in “diathermy group” it was 4 (5.79%), (p=0.511). In scalpel group, frequency of patients reporting good cosmesis was significantly higher as compared to diathermy group, (p =0.001).
Conclusion: In maxillofacial surgeries, diathermy use is a safe and effective alternative as compared to scalpel for making skin incision.
Keywords: Diathermy, Maxillofacial surgery, Outcome, Scalpel.