Open AccessIntroduction: Modern surgical scalpels are usually made of hardened steel for better sharpness and precision. Electrocautery is an alternative option practiced these days. Purpose of the present study was to compare these two methods in our hospital with an aim to evaluate whether, electrocautery as an effective alternate to scalpel in making abdominal incisions with respect to blood loss and operating time.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized study 60 patients undergoing laprotomy for various disorders in the department of surgery, Basaveshwar Teaching and General hospital Gulbarga, were selected and divided in to two groups. Patients with skin incision taken with electrocautery were in group A whereas patients with skin incision made with scalpel were in group B. Patients were monitored for blood loss during surgery and the operating time.
Results: Skin incisions made with electrocautery were safer and quicker than done by conventional scalpel. Statistically significant differences, in favor of electrocautery, were noted in terms of operating time and blood loss during the procedure (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Electrocautery is an ideal method of skin incision in those patients where the conservation of blood and operating time is of importance .This method of electrosurgical incision was seen to be easily learned , safe , uncomplicated and highly effective technique.