Skin wounds in rabbits were tested after healing periods of up to three
weeks to determine if scalpel wounds differed from those made
electrosurgically. Tensile tests showed that the electrosurgical wounds
were initially stronger, but at four days there was no difference.
Thereafter the scalpel wounds were stronger and their healing progressed
much faster. Histological preparations showed more extensive inflammation
and necrosis in the electrosurgical wounds.