ABSTRACT
Aim: To assess and compare the outcomes of the cutaneous neck dissection incisions taken by Colorado microdissection needle, surgical blade and cutting electrocautery in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized control, comparative study was carried out on 21 patients. These patients were divided into 3 groups containing 7 patients in each group. The intra operative and post operative outcomes were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics using Chisquare test, Fisher's Exact Test, one way ANOVA and multiple comparison Tukey Test and software used in the analysis were SPSS 27.0 version and GraphPad Prism 7.0 version and P < 0.05 is considered as level of significance. Results: The time taken for placing cutaneous skin incision and blood loss was more in the surgical blade group as compared to the Colorado microdissection needle and electrocautery. Statistically no significant difference between the three group while comparing the cutaneous neck incision healing and post operative scar formation. Conclusion: This study proves the superiority of the Colorado microdissection needle in terms of time taken and blood loss with similar aesthetic outcome in terms of cutaneous wound healing and post operative scar formation when compared to surgical blade and cutting electrocautery.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Diathermy is used widely in surgical procedures, mainly for subcutaneous and deeper layers dissection. The use on craniomaxillofacial skin has been precluded by the fear of scar formation, alopecia and wound dehiscence. The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate the safety of Colorado Microdissection needle (Stryker) for skin opening in craniomaxillofacial surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 117 skin incisions for craniomaxillofacial procedures were performed using the Stryker Colorado microdissection needle (CMN). The incisions included Coronal, Hemicoronal, Preauricular, Subciliary, Lateral brow's, Submandibular, Retromandibular, Risdon's, Modified Blair's and Schoebinger's incision. The reason for the craniomaxillofacial operative intervention included: Craniofacial trauma, removal of benign and malignant pathology, craniofacial reconstruction and Temporomandibular joint surgeries. 115 incisions were performed in patients in the adult age group and 02 in the pediatric age group. RESULTS: All the patients tolerated the procedures well, with no increased risk from the use of the CMN. Only one incision had wound infection and dehiscence. All other patients had usual wound healing. At 6 months follow-up postoperative scar and alopecia was evaluated. Only on close up inspection minimal area of alopecia was noticed along the incision line. The postoperative scar was healthy in all the cases. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study recommend the use of the CMN in all craniomaxillofacial procedures.