Role of Alcohol in Prevention of Recurrence of the Accidentally Opened Angular Dermoid Cyst

1. Study Design and Rationale: This is a comparative interventional study designed to evaluate the efficacy of 70% ethyl alcohol in preventing inflammation and recurrence in cases of accidentally opened external angular dermoid cysts during surgical removal. The rationale for using 70% ethyl alcohol is based on its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, which may reduce the risk of postoperative infection and cyst recurrence compared to saline irrigation alone.
2. Patient Recruitment and Group Allocation: Recruitment Sites: Patients were recruited from outpatient clinics at Beni-Suef University Hospitals, Fayoum University Hospitals, and MUST University Hospital. Recruitment Period: May 2022 to May 2024. Group Allocation: Group A (Control Group): 30 patients treated with saline irrigation. Group B (Intervention Group): 30 patients treated with 70% ethyl alcohol.
3. Surgical Procedure: Preoperative Preparation: Patients were positioned supine, and the surgical site was sterilized using standard antiseptic protocols. Local or general anesthesia was administered based on patient and surgeon preference. Incision and Dissection: A skin incision was made below the eyebrow, followed by subcutaneous and orbicularis dissection to expose the dermoid cyst. Care was taken to avoid accidental rupture, but if the cyst was opened, the following steps were implemented. Cyst Management: The cyst walls and contents were meticulously removed from the surgical field to minimize residual material. Group A (Saline Group): The surgical field was irrigated with sterile saline solution to remove any remnants. Group B (Alcohol Group): The surgical field was cleaned using a gauze soaked with 70% ethyl alcohol to ensure thorough disinfection. Wound Closure: The wound was closed in layers using absorbable sutures for subcutaneous tissues and non-absorbable sutures or skin adhesive for the skin. A sterile dressing was applied.
4. Postoperative Care: Medications: Both groups received the same regimen of systemic antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate) and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) for 5-7 days to prevent infection and inflammation. Follow-Up: Patients were monitored at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. At each visit, the surgical site was assessed for signs of inflammation, infection, or recurrence. Any adverse events or complications were recorded.
5. Data Collection and Analysis: Data Collected: Demographic data (age, sex). Intraoperative details (cyst size, extent of spillage). Postoperative outcomes (infection, inflammation, recurrence). Statistical Methods: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Quantitative variables (e.g., cyst size) were summarized as mean ± standard deviation. Categorical variables (e.g., recurrence rates) were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Comparisons between groups were performed using: ANOVA with post hoc tests for continuous variables. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess relationships between quantitative variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
6. Technical Considerations: Ethyl Alcohol Concentration: 70% ethyl alcohol was chosen for its optimal balance between antimicrobial efficacy and tissue safety. Saline Irrigation: Sterile saline was used as a control to mimic standard surgical practice. Standardization: All procedures were performed by experienced surgeons to ensure consistency in technique and cyst management.
7. Ethical and Regulatory Compliance: Informed Consent: Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to surgery. Ethical Approval: The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beni-Suef University and adhered to the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. Patient Safety: Adverse events were monitored and managed promptly to ensure patient safety.
8. Limitations: The study is limited by its sample size (n=60), which may affect the generalizability of the results. The follow-up period of 6 months may not be sufficient to capture long-term recurrence rates. Potential variability in surgical technique among different surgeons.
9. Expected Outcomes:

The study aims to demonstrate that 70% ethyl alcohol is more effective than saline in reducing postoperative inflammation and recurrence in accidentally opened dermoid cysts.

If proven effective, this intervention could be incorporated into standard surgical protocols for dermoid cyst management.