Published in:
01-09-2016 | Medical Surgery (M Alam, Section Editor)
Staged Excision: Tips and Pitfalls
Published in: Current Dermatology Reports | Issue 3/2016
Login to get accessAbstract
Purpose of the Review
The purpose of this study is to review the reported techniques for staged excision and examine the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Recent Findings
Osmotic tissue expanders are gaining popularity, and may provide a useful alternative to traditional staged excision. Alternative techniques other than the elliptical serial excision have been described.
Summary
Staged excision involves the removal of a skin lesion in more than one operative setting. Two broad categories exist: (1) serial excision and (2) tissue expansion. Both methods can be effectively utilized for the removal of disfiguring congenital lesions. Although tissue expanders have historically been placed in an operating room, it is reasonable that appropriate and effective placement may occur under local anesthesia.