Comparative Effects of Standard and Bipolar Cauterization in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract

Background: One of the most important issues in the orthopedic surgery, especially pediatric orthopedic surgery, is to prevent or reduce bleeding during the operating time. The goal of local hemostasis is to prevent or blockade the flow of blood from a disrupted vessel that has been incised or transected.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of standard (monopolar) and bipolar electrocauterization during the pediatric orthopedic surgery.
Methods: In this study, 60 patients were enrolled for the pediatric orthopedic surgery and classified into two groups. Group I included 30 patients undergoing hemostasis with standard electrocautery and group II comprised 30 patients undergoing hemostasis with bipolar electrocautery. The intraoperative bleeding was measured with sterile absorbent gauze. Every gauze could absorb 20 mL of blood. Then, bleeding was compared between the groups.
Results: The average amount of blood loss and operating time was 134.6 ± 0.04 mL and 140.9 ± 0.02 minutes in group I and 133.4 ± 0.07 mL and 140.2 ± 5 minutes in group II, respectively. Thus, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.65 and 0.70, respectively).
Conclusions: There was no significant difference in blood loss and operating time between patients in groups I and II. Therefore, the use of monopolar and bipolar cauterization in the pediatric hip surgery has the same effects on blood loss and operating time.