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Comparison of Energy-Based Tissue Dissection Techniques in Abdominoplasty: A Randomized, Open-Label Study Including
Dominik Duscher1, Matthias M Aitzetmüller1, Jing-Jing Shan2
1Department for Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
Background:
Abdominoplasty is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery, and energy-based tissue dissection techniques have become the gold standard. Despite its frequency, abdominoplasty is still associated with high complication rates.
Objectives:
The authors compared clinical and economic data of 4 methods of energy-based tissue dissection in a randomized, open-label study.
Methods:
A total of 57 patients were preoperatively randomized into 4 groups: electrocautery, Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel, argon plasma coagulation, and PEAK-Plasmablade. Demographic and operational data as well as information on the postoperative course and complications were collected. For economic analysis, quotes were obtained from the device companies or official suppliers.
Results:
Duration of surgery, drainage quantity, and wound healing complications did not differ significantly between groups. The Ultracision method caused significantly greater blood loss compared with all other techniques (P < 0.01). PEAK and Ultracision devices entailed greater surgical costs compared with APC and electrocautery.
Conclusions:
All methods evaluated can be applied safely and effectively in abdominoplasty procedures. However, these data demonstrate a significantly higher blood loss for the Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel. Considering the clinical data, the higher costs of PEAK and Ultracision methods appear unjustified.
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