The Outcomes of Using Scalpel and Electrosurgery Methods for Anterior Abdominal Wall Incision During Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background: There are different ways to make a surgical incision. The most widely used ones are the use of scalpel and electrosurgery. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages that affect its use. Objectives: This study aimed to compare scalpel and electrosurgery methods in cutting the anterior abdominal wall during Cesarean section. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial manner was conducted by permuted block randomization. The participants were placed in two groups. In the scalpel group, incisions were made with a scalpel, and in the electrosurgery group, incisions were made with an electrosurgical pencil. This clinical trial was conducted on 86 pregnant women who were candidates for Cesarean section with spinal anesthesia. The inclusion criteria were an age range of 18 - 45 years, gestational age of 37 - 41 weeks, Pfannenstiel skin incision, and willingness to participate. The exclusion criteria were emergency Cesarean section, vertical skin incisions, incomplete medical files, chronic skin diseases, allergy to antibiotics, consuming anticoagulants, cardiovascular and pulmonary problems, and underlying diseases. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of intraoperative bleeding, newborn Apgar score, postoperative pain, and wound complications. However, the duration of surgery (P = 0.012), incision time (P = 0.049), and hemodynamic status showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of electrosurgery to make a surgical incision does not pose a risk to the patient if safety points are followed.