Please login or create an account. If you do not have access to this content, you will be shown a 30 second preview and licensing options.

  • Presentation

Dermatologic Surgery for the Non-Mohs Surgeon

Description

In a session titled "Dermatologic Surgery for the Non-Mohs Surgeon," Leslie Story shared valuable insights on surgical techniques to enhance efficiency in dermatologic procedures. The presentation highlighted the significance of proper excision marking, focusing on relaxed tension lines for cosmetic outcomes, and the importance of thorough documentation, especially with photographs. Leslie discussed different strategies for excising cysts and lipomas, emphasizing techniques for minimizing complications and ensuring complete removal, particularly in recurrent cases. She introduced the concept of employing drains to manage dead spaces post-surgery and suggested using staples for hair-bearing scalp surgeries to avoid shaving. Emphasis was placed on understanding embryologic fusion planes which could affect surgical outcomes, highlighting the need for readiness during procedures due to the unpredictability of patient reactions. Leslie advocated for practical tips regarding sutures, recommending the use of generics and adaptable techniques for thin skin. Finally, she underscored the importance of providing patients with clear verbal and written post-operative instructions to optimize recovery, reinforcing the overall message of maintaining efficiency and thoroughness in dermatologic surgical practices.

View more

Conclusions

  • Surgical efficiency can be improved through proper marking of excisions according to Relaxed Skin Tension Lines.
  • Photographic documentation is crucial for record-keeping and pathology interpretation.
  • For cyst and lipoma excisions, incising along the cyst outline and avoiding direct anesthesia into the cyst improves outcomes.
  • Management of dead space through drainage or layered closure is important to prevent complications such as seromas.
  • In scalp surgeries, using staples minimizes hair interference and speeds up the process while ensuring proper closure.
  • Awareness of embryologic fusion planes is necessary as they may require larger margins and increase recurrence rates.
  • Being prepared for unexpected events like bleeders or vasovagal reactions can lead to smoother surgical procedures.
  • Cost-effective suturing options should be considered without compromising patient care.
  • Using steri-strips for thin skin closures can enhance healing and minimize scarring.
  • Providing clear verbal and written post-operative care instructions improves patient understanding and compliance.
  • Peterson S., Chilukuri S., Goldberg L., Joseph A. (2003) Surgical pearl: use of sterile glove finger as a surgical drain. Plast Reconstr Surg. 49(5): 902-903.
  • Armstrong L., Magnusson M., Guppy M. (2015) The Role of Embryologic Fusion Planes in the Invasiveness and Recurrence of Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Classic Mix-Up of Causation and Correlation. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 3(12): e582.
  • Gillanders A. (2018) A systematic review and meta-analysis: Do absorbable or non-absorbable suture materials differ in cosmetic outcomes in patients requiring primary closure of facial wounds? J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg.