11400 Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), trunk, arms or legs; excised diameter 0.5 cm or less

Name of the Procedure:

Excision of a benign lesion including margins, except skin tags, on the trunk, arms, or legs with an excised diameter of 0.5 cm or less.

Summary

In this procedure, a small, non-cancerous growth is surgically removed from the body along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. This is typically done on the trunk, arms, or legs and is aimed at ensuring complete removal of the lesion.

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to remove benign growths that may cause discomfort, cosmetic concerns, or have a potential for future complications. The goal is to eliminate the lesion completely while minimizing scarring and preventing recurrence.

Indications

• Presence of a benign lesion such as a mole or cyst that is smaller than 0.5 cm.
• Lesions that have changed in appearance, become symptomatic, or are at risk of becoming problematic.
• Patient discomfort or cosmetic concerns.

Preparation

• Patients may be advised to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, prior to the procedure.
• Fasting is generally not required.
• Pre-procedure assessments such as a physical examination and possibly a biopsy to confirm the benign nature of the lesion.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
2. Incision: A scalpel is used to make an incision around the lesion, including a small margin of healthy tissue.
3. Excision: The lesion and surrounding tissue are carefully removed.
4. Closure: The surgical site is closed with stitches or steri-strips, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic
• Minor procedure office
• Dermatology clinic

Personnel

• Surgeon or Dermatologist
• Nursing staff

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the incision site
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Scarring
• Allergic reactions to anesthesia
• Rarely, recurrence of the lesion

Benefits

• Complete removal of the benign lesion
• Relief from discomfort or cosmetic concerns
• Low risk of recurrence if the margin is adequately excised

Recovery

• Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
• Follow specific wound care instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
• Stitches, if used, may need to be removed in a follow-up visit.
• Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, though strenuous activities should be avoided for about a week.

Alternatives

• Monitoring the lesion without immediate intervention
• Cryotherapy (freezing the lesion)
• Laser therapy
• Each alternative has its own pros and cons in terms of effectiveness, cost, and potential for recurrence.

Patient Experience

• The patient will feel a numbing sensation at the site of injection during the administration of local anesthesia.
• There may be some pressure or mild discomfort during the excision.
• Post-procedure pain is usually minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
• Some swelling or bruising may occur, which typically resolves within a few days.