Utility of Linear Scalp Incision in Various Cranial Surgeries

Abstract

Background: The linear incision and its modifications are the most commonly used incisionsbecause of being simple and having good outcome. Linear incisions have the advantage of easier upward and downward extension. Layers of the scalp can be arranged as the mnemonic SCALP: S (Skin), C (Connective tissue), A (Aponeurosis), L (Loose areolar tissue), and P (Pericranium). Aim of Study: Is to evaluate thesufficiency of linear scalp incisions, and its resultant scar. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective study per-formed on 43 cases with different pathologies all of them were operated using linear scalp incision between January 2017 and December 2019 in Neurosurgery Department at Benha University Hospitals. Results: Forty three cases were operated using linear scalp incision in the period from January 2017 to December 2019 at Neurosurgery Department at Benha University Hospitals. The age of patients in this study ranged from 5 years to 66 years with a mean age of 29 years. The patients in this study were composed of 24 females and 19 males. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to three years. Conclusion: Linear scalp incision has a very great safety and efficacy in different types of craniotomies. We found the disadvantages to be present in few cases and can also occur in other types of scars that may be worse than linear incisions and can be minimized by taking care of langers lines and vascular territories of the scalp and minimizing the use of artery forceps.