The Effects of an Antistick Phospholipid Solution on Bipolar Electrocautery Efficacy in Rhytidectomy (original) (raw)

Ensuring adequate intraoperative hemostasis is crucial in avoiding serious complications of rhytidectomy surgery such as hematoma formation and skin flap necrosis. Charring of bipolar electrocautery arms can lead to ineffective hemostasis, frequent wiping to ensure hemostatic efficacy and prolonged operative time. We investigate the impact of a commercially available antistick coating solution (Electro Lube) on intraoperative wiping frequency of bipolar electrocautery arms and operative time for rhytidectomy procedures. Fifty patients undergoing rhytidectomy were prospectively enrolled in a randomized, split-face study. All patients enrolled were seen and evaluated in a private facial plastic and reconstructive surgery practice, and were operated on by a single surgeon in either an accredited ambulatory surgical center under deep, intravenous sedation or in a monitored office setting under light, oral sedation. Electro Lube was utilized to coat bipolar electrocautery arms for one si...