A Comparative Study between Cautery and Scalpel Incisions in Surgery: Clinical Outcomes and Patient-Centered Impacts

Dr. Parul Singh, Dr. Gyanendra Mittal, Dr. Bipin Chandra Joshi

Abstract: Background: Abdominal surgeries such as cholecystectomy, appendicectomy, laparotomy, and hernioplasty require precise incisions. The method of incision-scalpel versus electrocautery-significantly influences intraoperative blood loss, healing time, post-operative pain, infection rates, and cosmetic outcomes. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of these two common incision techniques to guide evidence-based surgical practice and patient-centered care. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional clinical study was conducted at Rama Medical College and Hospital over 1.5 years (May 2023 ? September 2024). Eighty patients were included and divided equally into two groups: Group A (Scalpel) ? 40 patients, Group B (Electrocautery/Diathermy)-40 patients. Parameters measured included incision time, intraoperative blood loss, need for additional hemostasis, post-operative pain (VAS scale), infection rates, healing time, and cosmetic satisfaction. Patients were followed for 30 days post-operatively. Results: Incision Time: Scalpel group was faster (6.8 ? 1.5 min) compared to cautery (8.3 ? 1.8 min), p < 0.05. Blood Loss: Significantly lower in cautery group (110 ? 20 mL) vs. scalpel (180 ? 25 mL), p < 0.01. Hemostasis Requirement: Cautery group required fewer additional hemostatic measures (10%) compared to scalpel (35%), p < 0.01. Pain: Lower VAS scores in the scalpel group on all follow-up days, p < 0.05. Healing Time: Faster in scalpel group (12.5 ? 2.0 days) vs. cautery (14.3 ? 2.5 days), p < 0.01. Cosmetic Satisfaction: Higher in scalpel group (87% vs. 65%), p < 0.05. Infection Rates: No significant difference (Scalpel: 7.5%, Cautery: 5%). Conclusion: Both scalpel and electrocautery have unique advantages. Scalpel incisions offer better healing, lower pain, and superior cosmetic outcomes, making them ideal for elective and cosmetically sensitive surgeries. Electrocautery is beneficial in vascular or emergency procedures due to superior hemostasis and reduced blood loss. A hybrid approach?scalpel for skin and cautery for deeper dissection?may provide optimal results.

Keywords: Scalpel, Electrocautery, Incision Techniques, Abdominal Surgery, Wound Healing, Post-operative Pain, Cosmetic Outcomes, Surgical Efficiency

How to Cite?: Dr. Parul Singh, Dr. Gyanendra Mittal, Dr. Bipin Chandra Joshi, "A Comparative Study between Cautery and Scalpel Incisions in Surgery: Clinical Outcomes and Patient-Centered Impacts", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1907-1910, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR25730124549, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR25730124549