Introduction:
In the context of wound healing, original tissue is replaced with dysfunctional scar
tissue, whereby the quality of scar tissue is influenced by the choice of the surgical
instrument. Incision with the PIRL results in less scar tissue due to less tissue
damage compared to conventional instruments such as scalpel or electrosurgical device.
The aim of this study was to investigate the tensile strength of scars caused by PIRL.
Methods:
With the PIRL, the scalpel and the electrosurgical device 1 cm long skin incisions
were made on the back of rats and sutured primarily. After 3 months, the scars were
excised. Using a tensile/compression testing machine, the force (N) necessary for
rupturing the scar was measured and converted into tension (N/mm2). 11 PIRL scars, 10 scalpel scars and 12 electrosurgical scars were used. 6 untreated
skin samples served as control samples. The statistical evaluation was carried out
by least significant difference test at a significance level of 0.05.
Results:
To rupture a PIRL scar an average tension of 2.00 ± 0.38 N/mm2 is required, for a scalpel scar 1.29 ± 0.32 N/mm2 are necessary and for an electrosurgical scar 1.20 ± 0, 35 N/mm2 (control: 9.87 ± 1.88 N/mm2). The tensile strength of PIRL scars was significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared
to the tensile strength of scalpel and electrosurgical scars.
Conclusion:
The present study has shown that PIRL scars have a higher tensile strength than scalpel
or electrosurgical scars. The results support the hypothesis of better wound healing
following incision with the PIRL compared to conventional instruments.
