Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Dissection Technique for Abdominoplasty: A Prospective Study on Scalpel versus Diathermocoagulation (Coagulation
Rita Valença-Filipe1, Apolino Martins1, Álvaro Silva1
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery and Burn Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto University Medical School, Porto, Portugal; and Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Ala.
The steel scalpel technique for abdominoplasty resulted in less fluid drainage and fewer seroma complications compared to diathermocoagulation. This dissection method improved patient recovery and wound healing outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Abdominoplasty involves raising the abdominal flap.
- Dissection techniques can influence surgical outcomes and complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the steel scalpel and diathermocoagulation techniques for abdominal flap dissection in abdominoplasty.
- To evaluate the impact of dissection technique on patient recovery and complication rates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study comparing steel scalpel (Group A) versus diathermocoagulation (Group B) in 119 abdominoplasty patients.
- Data collected included drain output, time to drain removal, hospital stay, operative time, and complications.
Main Results:
- The scalpel group showed a 54.56% reduction in total drain output and a 2.65-day earlier drain removal.
- Seroma and wound healing problems were significantly reduced in the scalpel group (81.25% and 90.00% difference, respectively).
- No significant differences were found in operative time, systemic complications, hematoma, or necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal flap dissection using a steel scalpel is associated with improved patient recovery.
- The scalpel technique reduces drain output, time to drain removal, and incidence of seroma and wound healing issues.
- This suggests the scalpel technique offers benefits over diathermocoagulation for abdominoplasty.
More Related Videos
03:48Techniques of Laparoscopic Right Posterior Sectionectomy: Glissonian Approach and a Parenchymal Transection Technique
Published on: October 6, 2023
20:33A Case Series of Successful Abdominal Closure Utilizing a Novel Technique Combining a Mechanical Closure System with a Biologic Xenograft that Accelerates Wound Healing
Published on: July 4, 2019