Y. Ziv et al., Effect of electrocautery vs. scalpel on fascial mechanical properties after midline laparotomy incision in rats, ISR MED ASS, 3(8), 2001, pp. 566-568
Background: The method of midline laparotomy incision and closure remains a
complex surgical problem.
Objective: To compare the mechanical properties at the interface of midline
laparotomy incision made by scalpel versus electrocutting current in rats.
Methods: A sharp midline laparotomy incision was made in 60 Wistar female r
ats using a scalpel or electrocautery to open the fascia. The fascial and s
kin wounds were closed separately with a continuous nylon. Fascial specimen
s were analyzed for mechanical properties at the midline incision using a l
oading machine. The load-extension curve was recorded during tensile loadin
g at a steady extension rate of 15 mm/min.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two
groups in either wound-bursting force (P-PEAK) or the strain energy spent u
ntil the point of measured P-PEAK. Each load-extension curve showed a chara
cteristic pattern in all rats. Tissue stiffness was greater in the scalpel
group than in the electrocautery group (P = 0.02). Correlations were found
between tissue stiffness and strain energy, between tissue stiffness and bu
rsting force, and between bursting force and strain energy.
Conclusions: While tissue stiffness was greater when a scalpel was used com
pared to electrocutting to incise the midline abdominal fascia in rats, the
re was no difference in the bursting force required to disrupt the wound.