Section Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
Excisions are probably the most frequently performed dermatosurgical interventions. They include the removal of benign embarrassing lesions, malignant skin tumors and cutaneous alterations not amenable to conservative therapy.
The spectrum of excisional techniques is vast spanning from the simplest type of lesion removal by curettage and razor blade surgery to sophisticated surgical techniques. Even the tiniest interventions, however, require some basic knowledge of skin function, physiology, macro- and micro-anatomy, dermatopathology, and interventional dermatology. Whereas some removal approaches only leave a superficial wound not much more than a scratch, others reach deep into the cutaneous fat or beyond the fascia. If energy-based devices are used, such as electro and laser surgery machines, the skin surgeon must be familiar with their properties including potential risks for the patient and the medical personnel. Incisional scalpel surgery usually causes a wound that requires a suture. Hundreds of variations of skin closure techniques are available and their mastery is essential for a good postoperative result. An unsightly scar may spoil the patient’s life and the patient will soon forget that the operation may have saved his or her life.
It is important for daily dermatosurgical practice to be familiar with all excisional techniques, their differential indications, exact execution, advantages and disadvantages, potential risks and possible outcome.
This collection will present personal experience and critically review some essential issues of excisional surgery of the skin.
Prof. Eckart Haneke
Section Editor