Use of Electrosurgery for Skin Incision and Dissection: Randomized Comparative Study in 85 Patients.

INTRODUCTION

The use of electrosurgery for skin incision has been evaluated in other surgical fields outside dermatology, without finding differences in cosmetic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the healing outcomes obtained with a Colorado microdissection needle or a conventional cold scalpel for skin incision and subcutaneous tissue dissection.

METHODS

Longitudinal, randomized, comparative, parallel-group study in patients requiring simple excisions on the trunk or extremities, randomly assigned to undergo surgery with a Colorado microdissection needle or a conventional cold scalpel. Three months after surgery, scars were assessed using the Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS) and the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS).

RESULTS

The study included a total of 85 patients. No statistically significant differences were found in mean PSAS and OSAS scores or in local scar characteristics according to the assessments of independent observers. The complication rate was 4.7% (n=4), with no differences across groups.

LIMITATIONS: Its single-center design and the exclusion of anatomic locations with greater cosmetic impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The Colorado microdissection needle for skin incisions and tissue dissection in dermatologic surgery is not inferior to the cold scalpel in terms of healing and cosmetic scar outcomes.