A randomised controlled trial of transverse skin crease vs. vertical midline incision for right hemicolectomy.

BACKGROUND

A transverse skin crease incision for right hemicolectomy may result in more rapid recovery than traditional vertical midline incision. This hypothesis was tested with a prospective randomised trial.

METHODS

Patients from 2 centres undergoing right hemicolectomy were randomised to received a midline or transverse incision. Incision lengths were sufficient to enable unrestricted resection of the right colon. Patients and carers were blinded to the incisions using strategically placed dressings. Analgesia and oral intake were controlled by the patient. Operative details and recovery parameters were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were randomised. Demographic data and tumour characteristics of the two treatment groups were similar. The transverse incision group had a slightly shorter median wound (10 cm vs. 11 cm, p<0.05). Operative time, analgesia requirements, recovery parameters (time to discharge, 6.5 vs. 6.5 days) and frequency of complications were otherwise comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

A transverse skin crease incision for right hemicolectomy results in a slightly smaller wound but no other advantages were demonstrated compared with a traditional vertical midline incision.