High-Precision Electrosurgical Scalpel for Scarpa Sparing Abdominoplasty - Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Efficacy and Safety.

BACKGROUND

The dissection technique can influence abdominoplasty complication rates. New "bovie" tips have been developed to minimize thermal damage and optimize tissue dissection.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to perform a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of the dissection technique on several outcomes and complications after a Scarpa-sparing abdominoplasty, comparing a high-precision electrosurgical scalpel (HPES) with the conventional electroscalpel.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted at a single medical facility between June 2020 and February 2022 and enrolled patients who underwent Scarpa-sparing abdominoplasty. Forty female patients were included in the study and randomly assigned to either abdominoplasty performed using the conventional "bovie" tip (Group A) or a similar procedure using the HPES tip (Group B). The following variables were analyzed: patient characteristics, duration of suction drain use, drain output, complications (local and systemic), unscheduled visits, readmissions, and reoperation requirements.

RESULTS

Both groups exhibited similar general characteristics, differing only in body mass index. The HPES group showed a 23.6% significant reduction in total drain output and a trend toward lower daily outputs, peaking on day two with a 60.0% reduction in drain output. Local and systemic complications were similar, except for a trend toward lower wound dehiscence in the HPES group. Notably, no systemic complications occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the safety and efficacy of the HPES tip for Scarpa-sparing abdominoplasty. This pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated the benefits of substantially reducing drain output.

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