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Para-incisional tattooing with electrocautery
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, UK.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|August 6, 1999
Summary
Electrocautery diathermy creates lasting surgical tattoos for head and neck procedures. This inexpensive, complication-free technique persists throughout operations, unlike temporary methods.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Accurate surgical site marking is crucial for head and neck procedures.
- Traditional surgical tattoos can fade during lengthy operations.
- Need for a durable and reliable marking method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel electrocautery diathermy technique for surgical tattooing.
- To assess the efficacy and longevity of electrocautery tattoos in head and neck surgery.
Main Methods:
- Electrocautery diathermy used to create permanent marks on the skin.
- Application in over 300 patients undergoing diverse head and neck surgeries.
- Technique evaluated over a five-year period.
Main Results:
- Electrocautery tattoos demonstrated persistence throughout operative procedures.
- Markings remained visible when other tattoo types had faded.
- The technique proved widely available and inexpensive.
Conclusions:
- Electrocautery diathermy is a safe, effective, and persistent method for surgical tattooing in head and neck surgery.
- This technique offers a reliable alternative to temporary marking methods.
- No complications were reported with the electrocautery tattoo method.