Comparative Study - Electrocautery versus Scalpel in Joel Cohen Abdominal Incision in Women Undergoing Cesarean Section

Study was conducted in tertiary care, Santosh hospital. In this study of 60 patients who required c section, without any risk factors, we randomly divided into two groups, out of which in one group cautery was used for abdominal Joel Cohen incision and other group scalpel was used for the same. The groups were assessed for. Time taken for the incision from skin to uterus- we found that the time taken in cautery group was significantly higher as compared to that of scalpel group. Blood loss during the incision- it was measured by using standard pre weighted mops. Number of mops used and weight of the mops after the abdominal incision was calculated. It was noticed that cautery group had significantly less blood loss as compared to scalpel group. For all the cases pre-operative hemoglobin was sent, and post-operative hemoglobin was checked on day 2. It was seen that there was no significant difference in hemoglobin difference in both the groups. Fetal outcome was assessed in both the groups by noticing Apgar score at 1 min and at 5 min interval after the delivery of the fetus, we noticed that there was no difference in the apgar scores of both the groups. Post-operative pain was assessed by Waun baker scale that is the visual pain scale and it was seen that cautery has more post-operative pain as compared to scalpel group. Conclusions-Cautery is a good alternative to scalpel of abdominal incisions in C-section. Cases have to be individualized for the use of different modalities. Cautery is of benefit in India where the incidence of anemia is so high.