Safety of colorado microdissection needle (stryker) for skin opening in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

PURPOSE

Diathermy is used widely in surgical procedures, mainly for subcutaneous and deeper layers dissection. The use on craniomaxillofacial skin has been precluded by the fear of scar formation, alopecia and wound dehiscence. The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate the safety of Colorado Microdissection needle (Stryker) for skin opening in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

117 skin incisions for craniomaxillofacial procedures were performed using the Stryker Colorado microdissection needle (CMN). The incisions included Coronal, Hemicoronal, Preauricular, Subciliary, Lateral brow's, Submandibular, Retromandibular, Risdon's, Modified Blair's and Schoebinger's incision. The reason for the craniomaxillofacial operative intervention included: Craniofacial trauma, removal of benign and malignant pathology, craniofacial reconstruction and Temporomandibular joint surgeries. 115 incisions were performed in patients in the adult age group and 02 in the pediatric age group.

RESULTS

All the patients tolerated the procedures well, with no increased risk from the use of the CMN. Only one incision had wound infection and dehiscence. All other patients had usual wound healing. At 6 months follow-up postoperative scar and alopecia was evaluated. Only on close up inspection minimal area of alopecia was noticed along the incision line. The postoperative scar was healthy in all the cases.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study recommend the use of the CMN in all craniomaxillofacial procedures.