Scissor�s skin excision versus scalpel, a time preservation challenge in compound fracture�s wounds in war time

Dr. Younis A. Rasheed Al Radwany

Volume : V, Issue : IX, September - 2016

Scissor�s skin excision versus scalpel, a time preservation challenge in compound fracture�s wounds in war time

Dr. Younis A. Rasheed Al Radwany

Abstract :

Background: Wound excision in compound fracture injury is a well-known life saving procedure, in war time it is essential however; the war has a special impact factor since there is a huge number of cases, with limited resources including time. Patients and method: During the period from march 2008 to Feuary 2012, 50 patients give up to 67 compound fractures involving different bones in different parts of their bodies, where included in this study. In which the patient�s wounds divided into two groups. The first group included 37 wounds the skin was excised by using the surgical scalpel, while the second group, dissecting surgical scissors where used, in both groups the time used to excise the skin was calculated by an assistant using a stop watch. Results: It showed that there was a great difference in between the means of time spend in both regular and irregular wounds by using the scalpel and the scissors, the balance was toward the scissor�s procedure, with a great statistical significant difference (P <.000). Discussion and recommendations: It is important to say that scissors excision was not affecting the final results science most of the wounds were left open for second look and delayed primary suturing 4 to 5 days later which usually involves refreshing the skin edges. It is highly recommended to use the scissors rather than the scalpel whenever there is high load of patients science it preserved little time which eventually and collectively considered significant to preserve more lives and limbs.