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PubMed2006

Removal of boron (B) from waste liquors.

This paper explores the use of electrocoagulation to remove boron from waste effluent in comparison with alum coagulation. In treating model test wastes, greater boron removals were achieved with electrocoagulation at low doses than conventional alum coagulation when reaction was undertaken for the same conditions (pH 8.5, and initial boron concentration was 500 mg/L). Al electrocoagulation can achieve good boron removal performance (68.3%) at a dose of 2.1 (as molar ratio of Al:B, and for current density of 62.1 A/m2), while alum coagulation can only achieve the maximum boron removal of 56% at a dose of 2.4. Also, Al electrocoagulation can remove 15-20% more boron than alum coagulation for the same dose compared in the treatment of both model test wastes and industry effluent. The estimation of running costs shows that to achieve 75% boron removal from industry waste effluent, i.e. removing 150 g of boron from 1 m3 of effluent, electrocoagulation was 6.2 times cheaper than alum coagulation. The economic advantage of electrocoagulation in the treatment of boron-containing waste effluent is thus significant.

Alum Compounds↗

PubMed1985

[Yag laser photocoagulation and monopolar electrohydrocoagulation: randomized study of the hemostatic effect on experimental hemorrhagic ulcer in dogs].

The purpose of this randomized study was to compare the effects of two methods of hemostasis--photocoagulation using YAG Neodyme laser and liquid monopolar electrocoagulation--on acute experimental bleeding ulcers created in the dog stomach with an ulcer-maker. One hundred and fifty-three lesions were made and randomized into 3 groups; 51 lesions were treated with photocoagulation and complete hemostasis was achieved in all cases. Hemostasis was obtained in 80 p. 100 of 51 ulcers treated with liquid electrocoagulation. Control untreated ulcers remained hemorrhagic after 45 min of observation. The mean external muscle injury on day 7 was 55 p. 100 after photocoagulation and 65 p. 100 after liquid electrocoagulation. On day 14, mean external injury was 60 p. 100 after photocoagulation and 75 p. 100 after liquid electrocoagulation (non-significant difference). On day 7, the mean re-epithelization index, expressed as the percentage of the original ulcer diameter, ranged from 8 to 10 p. 100 in each trial group. On day 14, reepithelization covered 78 p. 100 of control ulcers and 72 p. 100 of photocoagulated ulcers (NS). This percentage falls to 47 p. 100 in ulcers treated with liquid electrocoagulation (p less than 0.01 when compared with ulcers treated with photocoagulation). Photocoagulation seemed to be more efficient in ensuring hemostasis and external muscle injury was correlated with the energy delivered. External muscle injury could not be controlled by liquid electrocoagulation. However the difference in the percentages of mean external muscle injury between the two methods was not significant. Therefore, in man, the risk of perforation is certainly slight and not very different whatever the method of hemostasis considered.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

One-year inhalation toxicity study of formaldehyde in male rats with a damaged or undamaged nasal mucosa.

To study the effect of bilateral intranasal electrocoagulation damage on the susceptibility of rats to formaldehyde vapour, male Wistar rats with a damaged or undamaged nasal mucosa were exposed to atmospheres containing 0, 0.1, 1 or 10 ppm formaldehyde vapour during 6 h/day, 5 days/wk for 13 or 52 weeks. Electrocoagulation damage was induced in the anterior third part of the nose. The repair process followed the pattern of wound healing. Loss of turbinates and perforation of the septum were common irreversible findings. After 13 weeks basal cell hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium, and rhinitis were still visible. After 52 weeks effects attributable to electrocoagulation were slight basal cell hyperplasia and some rhinitis. Major formaldehyde-related adverse effects in the 10 ppm group not subjected to electrocoagulation included growth retardation, reduced urine production, and rhinitis accompanied by squamous metaplasia of the nasal respiratory epithelium. No adverse effects were seen at 0.1 or 1 ppm in rats with an intact nasal mucosa. The principal untoward effects of formaldehyde in electrocoagulation-treated rats seen after 13 and/or 52 weeks comprised increase in basal cell hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia of the nasal respiratory epithelium, damage to the olfactory epithelium at 10 ppm, and focal squamous metaplasia of nasal respiratory epithelium at 0.1 and 1 ppm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1993

Development of endosalpingoblastosis and tuboperitoneal fistulas following tubal sterilization: relation with uterine adenomyosis.

A total of 25 consecutive patients who had undergone a tubal sterilization and who were referred for a hysterectomy, were examined by a peroperative methylene blue test of the tubal stumps, and extensive microscopic examination of the uterine wall, cornua and tubal stumps. Eighteen patients had been sterilized by electrocoagulation and 7 by mechanical methods (clips or rings). Tubo- or uteroperitoneal fistulas and endosalpingoblastosis were only observed in the group of patients sterilized by electrocoagulation. The development of tubo- or uteroperitoneal fistulas was correlated with the presence of endosalpingoblastosis and of uterine adenomyosis (P = 0.002 and P = 0.038, respectively). All patients with bilateral fistulas had bilateral endosalpingoblastosis and the only patient with a unilateral fistula had endosalpingoblastosis on the same side. The development of endosalpingoblastosis in patients sterilized by electrocoagulation was correlated with the presence of uterine adenomyosis (P = 0.008). In the same group of patients, a correlation between the length of the proximal tubal stump and the development of utero- or tuboperitoneal fistulas was observed (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.033). Two patients developed an ectopic pregnancy following sterilization. Both patients were sterilized by electrocoagulation, and had endosalpingoblastosis and bilateral fistulas. Our results suggest that the presence of uterine adenomyosis might predispose to the development of endosalpingoblastosis when performing tubal electrocoagulation close to the uterine cornum. We therefore suggest that when performing tubal coagulation, the intact proximal stump should be at least 2 cm.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

The effects of cautery on the optic nerve.

A case history is presented of a patient who sustained visual loss and a third-nerve palsy after the application of monopolar electrocautery to the orbital apex. Because the third-nerve palsy resolved and most of the vision was regained, it is theorized that the neurological deficits were secondary to myelin damage caused by the monopolar electrocoagulator. The purpose of this article is to compare the effects of monopolar electrocoagulation, bipolar electrocoagulation, and hot-wire cautery on decompressed optic nerves of cats. Although all three forms of coagulation are capable of causing demyelination within the optic nerve when used on the nerve sheath, monopolar electrocoagulation resulted in the greatest degree of demyelination and bipolar electrocoagulation resulted in the least demyelination.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

The effect of electrothermal cautery-assisted resection of diminutive colonic polyps on histopathologic diagnosis.

We examined diminutive colonic polyps to identify relationships between thermal electrocoagulation or resection trauma cytologic artifacts, type of thermal electrocoagulation, polyp size, and the interobserver variation among 3 pathologists. The 3 pathologists independently evaluated 119 colonic polyps 5 mm or less in maximum dimension for diagnosis and degree of thermal electrocoagulation or resection trauma cytologic artifacts. The maximum dimension of the polyps and type of thermal electrocoagulation were recorded. The average percentage of polyps in which a definitive diagnosis could not be made because of cytologic artifacts was 16.5% (range, 11.8%-19.3%). Decreasing polyp size was associated linearly with the inability to make a definitive diagnosis owing to cytologic artifacts. Polyps smaller than 2 mm significantly more often could not be definitively diagnosed by at least 1 pathologist owing to cytologic artifacts, including some polyps that were excised without thermal electrocautery. Interobserver variation increased with decreasing polyp dimension. Two millimeters seems to represent a cut point, below which the likelihood that a definitive diagnosis can be made can be increased if thermal electrocoagulation is used. This small size seems to make them especially susceptible to cytologically injurious forces.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1988

Laparoscopic sterilization. A comparison of current techniques.

Current techniques of laparoscopic sterilization--bipolar electrocoagulation, endocoagulation, silicone ring, Hulka clip and Filshie clip--were analyzed from a large pool of international data. Technical difficulties have been encountered much less with electrocoagulation than with the silicone ring, Hulka clip or Filshie clip. There have been fewer technical failures with bipolar electrocoagulation and endocoagulation than with the ring or clip. Surgical complications have been the fewest with bipolar electrocoagulation and endocoagulation but have been more serious (electrical burns). The Hulka and Filshie clips have had lower complication rates than has the silicone ring. The greater technical difficulties and failures and greater surgical complications with clips and rings have been due to technical problems in applying them in cases of tuboperitoneal pathology. The pregnancy rates from method failure have been acceptably low with all the methods. Ectopic pregnancies are a serious problem with bipolar electrocoagulation and endocoagulation. The pregnancy rates after reversal surgery have been highest with the Hulka and Filshie clip. Electrical methods seem to be preferable in women with pelvic adhesions and tubal pathology. Clips seem to be preferable in women who may be candidates for future sterilization reversal.

Electrocoagulation↗

PubMed1990

[Dermatologists facing the risk of viral transmission. Analysis of the precautionary measures of 472 practitioners].

On the occasion of the "Journées Dermatologiques de Paris", in March 1988 we designed a survey to evaluate the sterile practices of French dermatologists in the "AIDS era". During the two days meeting, attended by 2,584 participants, 472 questionnaire forms were filled in (answer rate 18.5 p. 100). Among responders 43 p. 100 were exclusively office-based, 13 p. 100 only worked in hospitals, and 44 p. 100 were practicing both in office and hospital. The overall utilisation of gloves by French dermatologists remained highly variable, depending on the procedure. For example 6.7 p. 100 of responders reported never using gloves for excisions, 13 p. 100 for shave biopsies, 18 p. 100 for punch biopsies, 40 p. 100 for curettage and 47 p. 100 for electrocoagulation. Five per cent of the dermatologists surveyed did not sterilize their curettes regularly and 42 p. 100 their electrocoagulation needles. Heat sterilization was the most commonly used, in 69 p. 100 of cases for curettes and 42 p. 100 for electrocoagulation needles. On the other hand, chemical tray sterilization was used in 58 p. 100 of the cases for electrocoagulation needles, and in 31 p. 100 for curettes. For chemical sterilization, 63 p. 100 of responders used alcohol, 15 p. 100 glutaraldehyde, 15 p. 100 sodium hydrochloride, and 7 p. 100 other agents, mainly quartenary ammonium compounds. Twelve per cent of the physicians surveyed have adopted the practice of using a single electrocoagulation needle, belonging to each patient, for long term repeated procedures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1991

Cystic duct obliteration and gallbladder mucosal destruction: a feasible alternative to cholecystectomy.

'Chemical cholecystectomy' has been proposed as an alternative to removal of the gallbladder. This study assessed cystic duct obliteration using bipolar electrocoagulation (with sham cannulation controls) and gallbladder mucosal treatment with tetracycline (or saline controls) in 29 mongrel dogs. Cystic duct obstruction was assessed by tube cholecystography at day 14, and epithelial damage by histology at day 42. Electrocoagulation by duct diathermy effectively occluded the cystic duct in 14 of 19 animals; however, this was associated with mucocele formation unless mucosal treatment with tetracycline was also performed. Immediate instillation of tetracycline after duct electrocoagulation produced only partial epithelial damage. The combination of duct electrocoagulation and delayed tetracycline instillation at 14 days produced complete destruction of all gallbladder epithelium and an effective chemical cholecystectomy.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Experimental comparison of endoscopic yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, electrosurgery, and heater probe for canine gut arterial coagulation. Importance of compression and avoidance of erosion.

We compared five endoscopic thermal devices that have been used clinically for control of arterial bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract: neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser, electrofulguration, monopolar and bipolar electrocoagulation, and heater probe. In canine models we determined the ability to coagulate arteries of varying size and depth. The most effective method for coagulation of medium size arteries was first to occlude the vessel by compression, then to apply heat to seal it (coaptive coagulation). For the contact probes (monopolar, bipolar, and heater probes), the depth of tissue coagulation was controlled by varying probe appositional force and energy, and coagulation of deep arteries was possible. Undesirable erosion of tissue and vessels was noted with electrical sparking from the monopolar electrode and with YAG laser at high power density. In contrast, heater probe and bipolar electrocoagulation did not produce tissue erosion at any instrument setting. In this comparative study of arterial coagulation, overall ranking was as follows: heater probe = bipolar electrocoagulation greater than monopolar electrocoagulation greater than neodymium:YAG laser greater than electrofulguration greater than control. In our opinion these data should assist the clinician or investigator who plans to coagulate arterial bleeding lesions such as peptic ulcers, although further clinical research will be needed to verify these experimental results.

Animals↗

PubMed1976

[Surgical procedures for sterilization of the women: certainty--complications (author's transl)].

The time (interval, postpartum, postabortum), location (uterus, mucus membrane of the oviducts, tubes), access (transcervical, transvaginal, trans-abdominal) and the actual method of sterilization for the women (surgical, electric, thermic, mechanical) can be differentiated and combined with each other in various ways. Today the usual procedure is sterilization by partial resection of the oviducts performed laparoscopically in the interval via electrocoagulation and surgically after delivery via periumbilical minilaparotomy. Laparoscopic sterilization via electrocoagulation has a rate of failure of about 1:1,000 and the mortality rate is less than 1:10,000. The most frequent complications are: hemorrhages due to injury of the larger vessels and burns in the intestine caused by the electric current. For this reason, conventional (:unipolar") electrocoagulation should be replaced by the so-called bipolar coagulation or other newer methods which avoid these complications. On the basis of the current literature, no definitive statements can be made regarding the reliability of the newer methods (silastic ring, plastic clips, thermocoagulation). An additional, although up until now purely hypothetic, advantage of the newer methods is the possibility of reversibility. With conventional electrocoagulation, the rate of reversilbility is very low. Additional alternatives are also culdotomy and minilaparotomy in the interval with the assistance of a uterus elevator. Both ways of access may be combined with various methods of sterilization. The pros and cons of the hysterectomy as a method of sterilization are still being discussed. Occasional late sequelae of sterilization such as menstrual disorders, pain and, particularly, problems related to sexual intercourse have only recently come to light. They have not yet been adequately investigated.

Electrocoagulation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Status evaluation: hot biopsy forceps. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Technology Assessment Committee.

Monopolar hot biopsy forceps were developed for simultaneous tissue biopsy and electrocoagulation. Many endoscopists used these forceps for coagulation of diminutive polyps of the colon. The rationale for diminutive polyp eradication is to destroy neoplastic tissue and possibly prevent colon cancer. However, convincing data to document a reduction in the incidence of colorectal cancer or even complete obliteration of all treated diminutive polyps with hot biopsy forceps are lacking. Complications of hot biopsy include hemorrhage, perforation, and post-coagulation syndrome. Tissue injury is deeper with monopolar hot biopsy forceps than bipolar forceps. The right colon is particularly susceptible to transmural injury and perforation. For small polyp obliteration, comparative studies of hot biopsy (monopolar and bipolar) with other techniques such as cold biopsy combined with thermal probes, large cup cold biopsy removal, and snare electrocoagulation are warranted. The necessity to biopsy typical appearing angiomata does not seem warranted on a routine clinical basis. The expected obliteration rates of small angiomata or rates of controlling lower gastrointestinal bleeding from colon angiomata after monopolar hot biopsy electrocoagulation have not been well documented. Heater probe or bipolar electrocoagulation have been safely and effectively applied to bleeding colon angiomata. These newer coagulation probes are recommended as an alternative to hot biopsy forceps for treatment of bleeding colonic angiomata.

Biopsy↗

PubMed2005

[Reparative regeneration of nerve fibers after sympathectomy: an experimental study].

The results of sympathectomies depend on the degree of regeneration of the sympathetic nerve trunk: the quicker the onset of regeneration the less remarkable the effect of operation. The aim of our experimental study WPS to examine the rate of regeneration of sympathetic nerve fibers softer different sympathectomy techniques (resection, electrocoagulation and cryodestruction of the part of the sympathetic nerve trunk) following 6 and 12 months. Nine random-bred rabbits were used (Central Research Laboratory, Urals State Medical Academy) to examine the rate of regeneration of the sympathetic nerve trunk contained by the vascular-nervous bundle of rabbit ear. Altogether 18 nerve sympathetic trunks were examined. The rate of regeneration was measured by morphometry. While examining the processes of reparative regeneration of the nerve fibers after resection, electrocoagulation and cryodestruction, account was taken of the changes in their quantity, diameter and degree of myelinization over time. The study of the morphologic picture during comparative analysis of regeneration made on different models of nerve derangement has demonstrated that after resection and electrocoagulation of the sympathetic trunk the process of regeneration proceeds most slowly. On cryogenic injury to the nervous tissue when only nerve fibers are damaged and connective tissue membranes preserve their anatomic integrity, there are created most favourable conditions for regeneration. Toward 12 months after cryodestruction the bundles of nerve fibers acquire an identical diameter, with predominance of the population of thick nerve fibers, and appear mature enough. After electrocoagulation the fibers contained by the bundles are different in diameter, with the predominance of medium-diameter fibers whereas the thick nerve fibers are not many. After resection the thick nerve fibers are lacking whereas the medium-diameter bundles contain myelinated nerve fibers, with the maintenance of the selective decay of the myelin membrane.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Endoscopic treatment of postoperative hemorrhage from a stapled colorectal anastomosis.

We present the sixth reported case of endoscopic electrocoagulation to successfully treat postoperative hemorrhage from a stapled colorectal anastomosis. A literature review revealed 17 patients with postoperative hemorrhage from a combined total of 775 patients (1.8 per cent) after stapled colorectal anastomosis requiring blood transfusion and/or emergency surgery. Twelve of the 17 cases involved a circular stapler (71 per cent) used during an anastomosis to the rectum (69 per cent). Nonoperative therapy was successful in 14 of the 17 patients (82 per cent), using endoscopic electrocoagulation in six patients (43 per cent) and blood transfusion alone in another six patients (43 per cent). In follow-up there was one death (cardiac) and two anastomotic fistulas (one requiring temporary colostomy) in the nonoperative group. Both anastomotic fistulas occurred following hemorrhage from an anastomosis to the rectum using the circular stapler, one after endoscopic electrocoagulation and the second after blood transfusion alone. In summary, postoperative hemorrhage from a stapled colorectal anastomosis, although rare, is most likely to occur in a colorectal anastomosis constructed with the circular stapler. Nonoperative treatment is usually successful. Endoscopic electrocoagulation may be safely and effectively used in the early postoperative period to cease unremitting anastomotic hemorrhage.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

Laparoscopic evaluation of the argon beam coagulator. Initial report.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and hemostatic properties of the argon beam coagulator (ABC) at laparoscopy. The study is composed of two parts: laparoscopic results in five anesthetized animals and a preliminary clinical trial in 35 volunteers undergoing laparoscopy. Animals were evaluated during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy training course. Private patients undergoing operative laparoscopy voluntarily consented to a hospital Investigational Review Board-approved protocol to evaluate the ABC. The pigs were 3-month-old, healthy females. The patients were healthy volunteers undergoing laparoscopy for pain, infertility or cholecystectomy. Both pigs and human volunteers underwent operative laparoscopic use of the ABC for hemostasis and selected tissue electrocoagulation using a prototype 10-mm laparoscopic probe. The safety of the ABC was evaluated in the pigs by continuously monitoring heart rate, oxygen saturation and end-tidal CO2. Patients had similar clinical monitoring during operative laparoscopy, with observation of tissue effects of the ABC for hemostasis and tissue electrocoagulation. Laparoscopic use of the ABC in animals and patients produced no observable anesthetic changes, with both pigs and patients recovering normally. The ABC allowed smokeless, hemostatic tissue electrocoagulation, with a rapid non-touching technique easy to apply laparoscopically. We conclude that the ABC can safely be used laparoscopically with excellent hemostasis and effective controlled tissue electrocoagulation. The lack of smoke and the non-touching technique for delivery allow rapid laparoscopic application. The prototype 10-mm delivery probe is cumbersome, and the argon gas flow rate of 4 L/min with firing requires constant venting of the peritoneum with close monitoring of intraperitoneal pressures.

Animals↗

PubMed1976

Electrosurgical advances in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Because of rapid technological advances in endoscopic instrumentation, electrosurgical polypectomy and electrocoagulation has become a reality in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Twenty gastric polyps and three duodenal polyps have been removed. Six additional hyperplastic gastric polyps were electrodesiccated. Nine gastric ulcers, four duodenal ulcers, one hemorrhagic gastritis, one gastric varix and three Mallory-Weiss tears were successfully electrocoagulated. One duodenal ulcer and one Mallory-Weiss tear was unsuccessfully electrocoagulated. No morbidity nor mortality occurred as a result of electrosurgical polypectomy or electrocoagulation.

Duodenal Neoplasms↗

PubMed2005

Excisional surgery versus ablative surgery for ovarian endometriomata.

BACKGROUND: Endometriomata are endometriotic deposits within the ovary. The surgical management of these blood filled cysts is controversial. The laparoscopic approach to the management of endometriomata is favoured for as it offers the advantage of a shorter hospital stay, faster patient recovery and decreased hospital costs. Currently the commonest procedures for the treatment of ovarian endometriomata are either excision of the cyst capsule or drainage and electrocoagulation of the cyst wall. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to determine the most effective technique of treating an ovarian endometrioma; either excision of the cyst capsule or drainage and electrocoagulation of the cyst wall, with regard to relief of pain, recurrence of the endometrioma, recurrence of symptoms and the subsequent spontaneous pregnancy rate. SEARCH STRATEGY: The reviewers searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group specialised register of trials (searched 15 Nov 2004), the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2004), MEDLINE (1966-Nov 2004), EMBASE (1980- Nov 2004) and reference lists of articles, the handsearching of relevant journals and conference proceedings and by contacting leaders in the field of endoscopic surgery throughout the world. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of excision of the cyst capsule versus drainage and electrocoagulation of the cyst in the management of ovarian endometriomata. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Reviewers assessed eligibility and trial quality. MAIN RESULTS: No randomised studies of the management of endometriomata by laparotomy were found. Two randomised studies of the laparoscopic management of ovarian endometriomata of greater than 3cm in size were included. Laparoscopic excision of the cyst wall of the endometrioma was associated with a reduced rate of recurrence of the endometrioma (OR 0.41 CI 0.18-0.93), reduced requirement for further surgery (OR 0.21 CI 0.05-0.79), reduced recurrence rate of the symptoms of dysmenorrhoea (OR 0.15 CI 0.06-0.38), dyspareunia OR 0.08 CI 0.01-0.51) and non-menstrual pelvic pain (OR 0.10 CI 0.02-0.56). It was also associated with a subsequent increased rate of spontaneous pregnancy women who had documented prior sub-fertility (OR 5.21 CI 2.04-13.29). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is some evidence that excisional surgery for endometriomata provides for a more favourable outcome than drainage and ablation, with regard to the recurrence of the endometrioma, recurrence of symptoms and subsequent spontaneous pregnancy in women who were previously subfertile. Consequently this approach should be the favoured surgical approach. However we found no data as to the effect of either approach in women who subsequently undergo assisted reproductive techniques.

Drainage↗

PubMed2002

Diamond laser scalpel vs. steel scalpel: a side by side comparison of cutaneous wound healing.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the cutaneous wound healing using the diamond laser scalpel with wound healing using a steel scalpel and electrocoagulation for hemostasis. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective and randomized, comparative trial was conducted on eighteen patients. Fusiform excisions were performed using the diamond laser scalpel on one half of each excision and a steel scalpel with electrocoagulation for hemostasis on the other half. The Clinicon SureBlade diamond laser scalpel was used with the Luxar CO(2) attachment at the 6-8-W settings. Blinded assessment of adverse events and photographs were taken at 1 day, 7-10 days, 4 weeks, and 8-12 weeks. The final scar was evaluated at 8-12 weeks for cosmetic outcome and three physicians blinded to the method of excision evaluated photographs of the wounds. Histologic evaluation was performed on all excisions for collateral thermal damage. RESULTS: Investigator assessment showed no statistically significant differences between the diamond laser scalpel side and the steel scalpel side with respect to bleeding, bruising, swelling, pain, dehiscence, or final scar appearance. The mean residual thermal damage was 350.3 microm (95% CI +/- 37 microm, P < 0.001). The diamond laser scalpel scored higher on intra-operative coagulation (P = 0.20) although these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The cosmetic outcomes of cutaneous excisions performed with the diamond laser scalpel are equivalent to excisions performed with steel scalpels with electrocoagulation for hemostasis.

Cicatrix↗