Safety and Efficacy of a High-Frequency Radio Wave Scalpel for Pediatric Umbilical Hernia Repair

Abstract

A high-frequency radio wave (HFRW) scalpel has been reported to achieve a fine smooth incision with good hemostasis and minimizes the surrounding tissue destruction. Since an umbilicoplasty was performed for cosmetic purposes, we introduced the HFRW scalpel for umbilical hernia repair in July 2016. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of an HFRW scalpel for umbilical hernia repair in children, compared to a surgical scalpel with electrocautery. We reviewed the medical records of 139 patients who underwent umbilical hernia repair using a surgical scalpel with electrocautery or an HFRW scalpel between January 2013 and November 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: the surgical scalpel with electrocautery (SE) group (n = 62) and the HFRW scalpel (HFRW) group (n = 77), for comparison of surgical outcomes. Umbilical hernia repair using the HFRW scalpel was successful without intraoperative complications in all 77 patients. Although the HFRW scalpel was directly used for skin incision, no burn injury was observed. Procedure duration was significantly shorter in the HFRW group than the SE group (P < 0.01). Two (3.2%) and five (6.5%) patients in the SE and HFRW groups, respectively, developed wound infection, which was not a clinically significant difference. Wound appearance in the HFRW group was well tolerated as well as that in the SE group. The HFRW scalpel is a simple, safe, and feasible device for pediatric umbilical hernia repair, with a shorter operative time.