HS Surgical Tips and Pitfalls

The presentation focuses on surgical techniques and considerations in treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The speaker reflects on their early experiences with HS patients, noting that while medications have improved, many patients require surgical interventions for optimal results due to lasting skin remodeling post-inflammation that medications alone cannot address. They share tips on performing procedures like de-roofing and excisions, emphasizing the importance of effective anesthesia, where larger syringes and needles are favored for efficiency. The speaker discusses recognizing signs of deeper disease, such as skin retraction, indicating the need for more extensive surgical intervention. They highlight the importance of patient feedback in guiding the surgical approach, noting that areas the patient has felt flare-ups are crucial for comprehensive treatment planning. Additionally, they address post-surgery challenges like delayed healing and recommend using topical steroids to manage exuberant granulation tissue. Throughout, the speaker stresses the significance of thorough exploration and technique to reduce recurrence rates and achieve better patient outcomes. They conclude by encouraging healthcare providers to engage in HS treatment and discuss the growing need for specialized HS clinics, inviting further interest and collaboration in improving patient care.