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

Phase 1

Terminated

• Conditions: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Interventions: Procedure: Scalpel; Procedure: Electrocautery

• Registration Number: NCT02791529
• Lead Sponsor: Turku University Hospital

Brief Summary

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).

Detailed Description

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 Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2016-06-01
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-06-01
• Study First Posted: 2016-06-06
• Study Start: 2016-09
• Primary Completion: 2018-01
• Study Completion: 2018-01
• Status Verified: 2020-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2020-03-11
• Last Update Posted: 2020-03-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: TERMINATED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 16

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Scalpel	Scalpel	Skin incision performed by scalpel
Electrocautery	Electrocautery	Skin incision performed by electrocautery

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pain on visual analogue scale	First postoperative day