The use of thermal knives in surgery: Electrosurgery, lasers, plasma scalpel

Glover, John L.; Bendick, Phillip J.; Link, William J.

doi:10.1016/s0011-3840(78)80017-3

Cited by 96 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 69 publications

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“…Early studies with primitive diathermy machines suggested that electrosurgical incisions were associated with just such charring and poor wound healing. 5 Subsequent animal studies suggested increased wound infection rates with the use of electrocautery. 6 Other studies have demonstrated similar or decreased infection rates with the use of electrocautery.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparative study between electrocautery and steel scalpel in making abdominal wall incision in caesarean section

Gupta¹,

Mehta²,

Gupta

2017

Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol

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Background: Electrocautery is commonly used in surgical practice. However, its use has been limited in skin due to the fear of tissue scarring, impaired wound healing and wound infection due to damaged tissue. To evaluate and compare the use of electrocautery and steel scalpel in making abdominal skin and deeper tissue incisions in caesarean section pfannenstiel incision with regard to operating time and postoperative wound complication rate.Methods: The study was a prospective randomized type conducted in the Department of Gynaecology, Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. 120 patients undergoing caesarean section were divided into two groups, scalpel group in which skin and deeper tissue of abdominal wall were cut by scalpel and cautery group with electrocautery. Comparison was made between the two groups based on the above objectives.Results: In this study, we find that the operating time was less in electrocautery group and postoperative wound complications were comparable between two groups.Conclusions: The study demonstrates that electrocautery can be used as an alternative to steel scalpel for making abdominal skin incisions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparative study between electrocautery and steel scalpel in making abdominal wall incision in caesarean section

Gupta¹,

Mehta²,

Gupta

2017

Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol

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“…However, it elicits a marked neutrophil accumulation in the wound area [6][7][8]. The aim of the present investigation was to eval uate whether division of the bowel with dia thermy would adversely affect the subse quent suture holding capacity of intestinal anastomoses.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diathermy-Induced Inflammation Does Not Affect Suture Holding Capacity of Intestinal Anastomoses

Jónsson¹,

Högström²

1991

Eur Surg Res

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We compared the suture holding capacity of rat intestinal anastomoses after division of the bowel with scissors or diathermy. Two sets of experiments differing in suture technique were done. In one set the amount and solubility of anastomotic collagen were measured, and neutrophil accumulation quantified with a myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. MPO activity 24 h after surgery was 60% higher (p < 0.05) after division with diathermy than after division with scissors. Suture holding capacity (breaking strength) decreased by approximately 70% (p < 0.001) in both groups when sutures were inserted near the bowel edges, while no decrease was noted when sutures were inserted at a farther distance, regardless of the mode of bowel division. After 7 days MPO levels approached baseline values in both groups and the bowel always ruptured outside the anastomosis. Collagen content was not adversely affected by diathermy. Although the reduction in early anastomotic strength may be mediated by local neutrophil activity, suture holding capacity was not influenced by the increased neutrophil accumulation elicited by diathermy.

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“…The electric current was then switched on for a short period ranging from 30 to 60 s. A radiofrequcncy current of 20,000 cycles/s and a power of 30 W was used. It produces a high concentration of heat and causes destruction of cells [20], With a current above 10,000 cycles/s stimulation of muscle and nerve docs not occur [21], The current density or the total heat gener ated by electrocautery is directly related to the surface area of the tissue in contact with the electrode [20]. in case there was an internal fistulous opening through which the probe could be passed, the pro truding part of the probe was insulated by wrapping it with gauze to avoid the burning of perianal skin during fistula cauterization (tig.…”

Section: Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anorectal Fistulae: Results of Treatment with Cauterization

Shafik¹,

Abd-Elwahab

El-Sibai

et al. 1994

Dig Surg

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The results of treatment of anorectal fistula by electrocauterization in 24 patients were compared with those obtained by ‘laying-open’ operation in another 24 patients. The two groups were matched for age, sex, fistula type and follow-up duration. In the cautery group, a fistula cautery probe was introduced into the fistulous track and the electric current was switched on for a few seconds. The laying-open operation was done in the classical way. In the electrocauterization group, recurrence occurred in 3 patients (12.5%). The procedure was done under local anesthesia, as an outpatient procedure. Mild analgesics were given to 8 patients. No antibiotics were administered. Continence was not affected. In the group undergoing laying-open operation, recurrence occurred in 4 patients (16.7%). The procedure was performed under general anesthesia with a mean hospital stay of 2.2 days. Analgesics and antibiotics were given to all patients. Temporary continence disorders occurred in 3 patients; 1 patient remained incontinent for flatus and fluid stools. In conclusion, electrocauterization for anorectal fistula is a simple, easy, safe and effective procedure. Moreover it is less expensive and performed on an outpatient basis.

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The use of thermal knives in surgery: Electrosurgery, lasers, plasma scalpel

Cited by 96 publications

References 69 publications

A comparative study between electrocautery and steel scalpel in making abdominal wall incision in caesarean section

A comparative study between electrocautery and steel scalpel in making abdominal wall incision in caesarean section

Diathermy-Induced Inflammation Does Not Affect Suture Holding Capacity of Intestinal Anastomoses

Anorectal Fistulae: Results of Treatment with Cauterization

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