Scalpel versus electrosurgery: Comparison of gingival perfusion status using ultrasound Doppler flowmetry

Abstract

The main prerequisites of any surgical procedure are achievement of good visibility and access to the site with minimal bleeding and rapid and painless healing. With the advancement of technology the armamentarium for oral surgical procedures has also widened. The use of alternate methods to the traditional scalpel such as electrosurgery, laser, and chemicals has been widely experimented with. This article aims to report the gingival perfusion pre-operatively and post-operatively, comparing the use of scalpel and electrosurgery in different anatomic sites in patient. Since wound healing is influenced by its revascularization rate, which follows the pattern of new connective tissue formation, the perfusion status of the gingiva has been studied using ultrasound spectral Doppler. The results of our study show that there was 30% more blood flow by 7th day, 19% more blood flow by 15th day and 11% more blood flow by 30th day in sites where the scalpel was used compared with sites where electrosurgery technique was used.

Comparison of Radiofrequency and Electrocautery With Conventional Scalpel Incisions

“…Manivannan et al [36] reported that scalpel caused more bleeding at the operative site when compared to electrosurgery. However, less damage to adjacent tissues and faster wound healing was observed with scalpel.…”

“…[2,28,31,35,36] Liboon et al [2] examined the histologic effects of scalpel, CO2 laser, and electrosurgical incisions on the mucosal tissue in pigs. They suggested that tissue damage was lower with scalpel, while electrosurgery and CO2 laser provided better hemostasis.…”

Comparison of two different depigmentation techniques for treatment of hyperpigmented gingiva

“…Manivannan et al . [ 21 ] attributed this delay in wound healing to decreased blood flow by the 7 th day in electrosurgically treated areas. They also stated that wound healing is influenced by revascularization rate, preservation and reconstruction of microvasculature.…”

Drug Induced Gingival Overgrowth: A Rare Case Report

“…Gingivectomy (Scalpel) procedure is an effective form of treatment when indicated as the procedure is technically simple, accurate and causes less damage to adjacent tissue [7,8]. Perioperative hemorrhage is the main disadvantage of Scalpel excision.…”