Comparison Of Superficial Surgical Site Infections Following Use Of Diathermy And Scalpel For Making Skin Incisions In Open Inguinal Hernia Repair

ABSTRACT

The use of electrocautery for making skin incisions remains controversial. Its effect on the rate of Superficial Surgical Site Infection (SSSI) vis-à-vis scalpel use was compared in this study. Atotal of 100 patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair were divided into two 50 in Electrocautery group, 50 in Scalpel group. Patients were assessed for up to 30 days post-operatively by an assessor blinded to the method used for making skin incision. CDC/NHSN criterion for SSSI was adopted for wound assessment while grading was done using Southampton Wound Grading System. Both groups had comparable mean age (p-value=0.29) and BMI (p-value=0.39). The difference in the incidence of SSSI (5 in Electrocautery, 7 in Scalpel group) on statistical analysis was found to not be significant (p-value=0.53). We conclude that skin incision made with electrocautery is a safe alternative and a convenient method for performing surgeries.