Use of electrocautery for coagulation and wound complications in Caesarean sections

Electrosurgery Use During Post-Mohs Micrographic Surgery Repair and Complication Rates-How Important is a Dry Field?

BACKGROUND

Electrosurgery is used to achieve hemostasis during surgery. There are no studies exploring the effects of the use or avoidance of electrodessication during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) repair. Given the growing concerns for tissue aerosolization, occupational smoke exposure, and spread of infectious diseases, it is important to determine the importance of electrical hemostasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, electronic medical records of a single, tertiary, academic dermatology practice were reviewed. All MMS cases that underwent surgical repair from January 1 to December 31, 2019, by 2 dermatologic surgeons (one who used electrodessication during repair and one who did not) were included. Patient demographic data, information regarding the procedures, and complications occurring 90 days after MMS were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-eight cases of MMS repair used electrodessication, whereas 193 cases did not. There was no significant difference in the demographic makeup, MMS procedure, or 90-day complication rates between the 2 groups. No major adverse events were MMS-related.

CONCLUSION

The use or avoidance of electrodessication during MMS repair was not associated with increased 90-day postoperative complications, suggesting that a greater tolerance of moderate oozing at a surgical site during MMS repair is reasonable to minimize electrosurgical tissue damage and occupational smoke exposure.

Cutaneous Surgery in Patients Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Dermatologic surgery in pregnant/postpartum patients requires deliberate consideration. Although surgery can be safely performed during any trimester, the second trimester and immediate postpartum period is optimal. Surgery should not be delayed for melanoma/high-risk skin cancers. Perioperative positioning, analgesic, antiseptic, and antibiotic selection should be deliberate to avoid risk to the patient/fetus/infant. The left lateral tilt position reduces aortocaval compression syndrome. Lidocaine and epinephrine can be used safely. Alcohol and chlorhexidine are considered safe. Antibiotics commonly used in skin surgery are safe in pregnancy and lactation. Acetaminophen is first line for pain management. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs should be avoided.