Evaluation of Electrocautery and Stainless Steel Scalpel in Oral Mucoperiosteal Incision for Mandibular Anterior Fracture

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, mucosal incisions are made by stainless steel scalpel due to its ease of use, accuracy, and minimal tissue damage effect, but these incisions are more bloody and painful. To obviate the inherent disadvantages of scalpel, surgical diathermy was introduced at the beginning of the 20(th) century. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to compare the efficacy of electrocautery and stainless steel scalpel in oral mucoperiosteal incisions in terms of time taken for incision, blood loss, pain, edema, and healing for mandibular symphysis or parasymphysis fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients who reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery between December 2015 and November 2017 with symphysis or parasymphysis fracture were divided into two groups by randomized envelope method. RESULTS: The mean time taken and mean blood loss for electrocautery were less than that of stainless steel scalpel. The postoperative pain was significantly reduced at 24 h, 48 h, and 1 week in the diathermy group as compared to the scalpel group. At 24 h and 48 h, the extraoral edema measured was not significant. Wound healing at 24 h and 48 h was better in the scalpel group as compared to the electrocautery group. CONCLUSION: From present study, we can conclude that electrocautery is better than stainless steel scalpel in relation to time taken for incision, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative pain.