Wound complications and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in wound fluid as a result of scalpel versus diathermy dissection

Abstract EN

Aim: diathermy {electrocautery} has been postulated as a risk factor for wound complications.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diathermy and scalpel dissections on wound complications and local cytokine levels. Materials and Methods: from Jan.

2007 to Dec.

2007, we recruited 36 patients with operable breast cancer for this study.

Those patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy were assigned to flap dissection with either diathermy (n = 18) or scalpel (n = 18).

Blood loss, drain volume and duration, seroma formation and wound complications were recorded.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin (IL)- 6 levels were measured in drain fluids at postoperative 24 hours. Results: The diathermy group had significantly reduced blood loss and total drain volume, but increased seroma formation rate.

Significantly elevated levels of TNF-awere measured in drain fluids of patients with diathermy dissection. Conclusions: The use of diathermy causes less bleeding and total drain output with an increased rate of seroma formation.

Diathermy dissection increases pro-inflammatory cytokine response in wound fluid, which may reflect an aggravated inflammation and increased potential for tissue damage.