Background and aims: Even though diathermy is used extensively for tissue dissection and hemostasis, it is not used routinely for skin incisions for the fear of deeper burns and risk of scarring. The present study estimated the effectiveness of cutting diathermy over surgical scalpel incision among patients undergoing abdominal and scrotal surgeries. Materials and methods: This was a prospective cross sectional study conducted at the Department of General surgery, Government Villupuram Medical College Hospital from January to December 2018. Patients undergoing lower abdominal, inguinal and scrotal surgeries of the age group 19 – 78 years were chosen randomly after obtaining informed consent. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: A total of 100 patients were selected, 50 patients in each group. The time taken and the blood loss during skin incision, post operative pain experienced, incidence of complications and scarring were significantly better with diathermy incision when compared to scalpel incision. Conclusion: Skin incisions made by cutting diathermy are quicker with less blood loss than those made by scalpel. There is no increased risk of wound infection, less post–operative pain, gives cosmetically acceptable results and hence recommended for abdominal skin incisions