[Is a scalpel required to perform a thoracotomy?]]

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether electrocautery as a means of creating thoracic wound result in increased wound infection rates. Seventy-three patients were randomized prospectively into two groups. Group A-coagulation, where the first half of the incision was done with scalpel and the second half with coagulation-fulgurate. Group B-cut mode, where half of incision was done with scalpel and half with blend cut mode. All wound complications were recorded and divided into infectious (grade 1: induration and erythema with no secretion, grade 2: grade 1 and serous secretion, grade 3: contaminated wound with pus formation) and non-infectious complications (haematoma with its evacuation). Scalpel and electrosurgical thoracotomy incision in elective surgery are similar in terms of early and late wound complications when used to perform anterolateral thoracotomy. Therefore, the choice of which method to use remains only a matter of surgeon preference.