Scalpel Versus Electrocautery for Surgical Skin Incision in Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Phase 1TerminatedNCT02791529

Turku University Hospital16 enrolled

Overview

The use of electrocautery for surgical skin incision in general surgery is known to decrease post-operative pain. This study compares the use of scalpel and electrocautery for surgical skin incision in open carpal tunnel release (OCTR).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Interventions

ElectrocauteryPROCEDURE

Skin incision performed by electrocautery

ScalpelPROCEDURE

Skin incision performed by scalpel

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 - 60 years * Scheduled to undergo open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) by a study group member * Gives informed consent * diagnosis of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome Exclusion Criteria: * -Any current underlying systemic illness or condition that may affect wound healing (e.g. diabetes or chronic vascular disease) * History of severe systemic or focal illness (e.g. previous myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) * Chronic skin condition in the affected upper limb (e.g. psoriasis) * Pregnancy * Inability to comprehend the consent form (in Finnish) or inability to give consent * Previous surgery or scar in the palmar aspect of the affected wrist * Recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome * Previous significant trauma of the affected upper extremity (including distal radius fracture) or suspicion of acute onset carpal tunnel syndrome

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain on visual analogue scale

Time frame: First postoperative day

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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