Abdominal Wound Problems After Hysterectomy With Electrocautery vs. Scalpel Subcutaneous Incision

David L. Hemsell, Patricia G. Hemsell, Brenda Nobles, Edward R. Johnson, Bertis B. Little, Molly Heard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between postoperative abdominal incision problems and opening subcutaneous tissues with electrocautery or scalpel. Women scheduled for elective abdominal hysterectomy who gave informed consent were randomly assigned to subcutaneous abdominal wall tissue incision by electrocautery or scalpel. Postoperative abdominal wound problem diagnoses included seroma, hematoma, infection, or dehiscence without identifiable etiology. Fifteen of 380 women (3.9%) developed a wound problem; six had scalpel and nine had electrosurgical subcutaneous incisions (P = 0.4). Thicker subcutaneous tissues (P = 0.04) and concurrent pelvic infection (P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for postoperative wound problems. Only two women (0.5%) developed an infection. We conclude that the method of subcutaneous tissue incision was unrelated to the development of postoperative abdominal incision problems in 380 women undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)27-31
Number of pages5
JournalInfectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume1
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993

Keywords

  • Postoperative
  • desert
  • nonunion/infection
  • plane
  • trees

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Abdominal Wound Problems After Hysterectomy With Electrocautery vs. Scalpel Subcutaneous Incision'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this