Surgical technique for optimal outcomes: Part I. Cutting tissue: incising, excising, and undermining

Christopher J Miller; Marcelo B Antunes; Joseph F Sobanko

doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.06.048

Surgical technique for optimal outcomes: Part I. Cutting tissue: incising, excising, and undermining

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Mar;72(3):377-87. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.06.048.

Authors

Christopher J Miller¹, Marcelo B Antunes², Joseph F Sobanko³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
² Private practice, Austin, Texas.
³ Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: Joseph.Sobanko@uphs.upenn.edu.

PMID: 25687309
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.06.048

Abstract

Sound surgical technique is necessary to achieve excellent surgical outcomes. Despite the fact that dermatologists perform more office-based cutaneous surgery than any other specialty, few dermatologists have opportunities for practical instruction to improve surgical technique after residency and fellowship. This 2-part continuing medical education article will address key principles of surgical technique at each step of cutaneous reconstruction. Part I reviews incising, excising, and undermining. Objective quality control questions are proposed to provide a framework for self-assessment and continuous quality improvement.

Keywords: excise; excision; incise; skin; surgery; suture; technique; undermine.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / methods*
Humans
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Treatment Outcome