Keratome, a Better Alternative Scalpel to No. 15 Blade for Finer Incision-Randomized Control Trial

Area of Science:

• Surgical Instruments
• Plastic Surgery Techniques
• Medical Device Evaluation

Background:

• The scalpel, a foundational surgical tool, has evolved significantly from ancient designs to modern instruments.
• Continuous innovation seeks superior surgical instruments for enhanced procedural outcomes.
• This study investigates an alternative to the commonly used no. 15 blade in plastic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a 15-degree straight keratome as an alternative to the no. 15 scalpel blade.
• To compare the ease of incision and dissection between the two surgical instruments.

Main Methods:

• Plastic surgery consultants and residents utilized both a no. 15 blade and a 15-degree straight keratome.
• Procedures were performed on randomly selected patients.
• A subjective numerical rating scale assessed the ease of incision and dissection, with data statistically analyzed.

Main Results:

• Eighty-nine patients were included in the study.
• Consultants rated the no. 15 blade at 6.52 and the keratome at 8.74 for ease of incision.
• Residents rated the no. 15 blade at 6.125 and the keratome at 8.84.
• The difference in ease of use between the two instruments was statistically significant (p-value).

Conclusions:

• The 15-degree straight keratome demonstrates superior performance compared to the no. 15 blade.
• This keratome is recommended as a preferred alternative for surgical incisions in plastic surgery.
• The no. 15 blade was found to be more difficult to use in comparison.