Year : 2024

Volume : Volume 15

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Bibhu Prasad Mishra
infodrprasad@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Surgical incisions play a crucial role in the management of head-and-neck cancer. The choice of incision technique can impact various surgical outcomes, including wound healing, post-operative complications, and patient satisfaction. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of scalpel and surgical diathermy incisions in elective head-and-neck cancer surgeries. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 150 patients undergoing elective head-and-neck cancer surgeries at a tertiary care center. Patients were divided into two groups based on the incision technique used: Scalpel (n = 75) and surgical diathermy (n = 75). Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical technique, operative time, intraoperative bleeding, wound complications, and post-operative pain scores were collected and analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using independent t-tests and Chi-square tests as appropriate. Results: In the scalpel group, the mean operative time was 20% shorter than in the surgical diathermy group (P < 0.05). In addition, the scalpel group had significantly less intraoperative bleeding (P < 0.01) and a lower incidence of wound complications (P < 0.05). Post-operative pain scores were comparable between the two groups. Patient satisfaction scores favored the scalpel group, with 88% of patients reporting high satisfaction compared to 72% in the surgical diathermy group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This comparative study suggests that the use of a scalpel for incisions in elective head-and-neck cancer surgeries may offer advantages over surgical diathermy. Scalpel incisions were associated with shorter operative times, reduced intraoperative bleeding, lower wound complication rates, and higher patient satisfaction. Surgeons should consider these findings when choosing an incision technique for such procedures, weighing the potential benefits in terms of surgical outcomes and patient experience