11424 Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; excised diameter 3.1 to 4.0 cm

Name of the Procedure:

Excision of a Benign Lesion, including margins, except skin tag, on scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; excised diameter 3.1 to 4.0 cm

Summary

The excision of a benign lesion is a surgical procedure where a non-cancerous growth is carefully removed from specific areas such as the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. This involves cutting out the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue around it to ensure that any potential abnormal cells are fully excised.

Purpose

The procedure addresses the removal of benign lesions that might cause discomfort, cosmetic concerns, or functional issues. The goal is to completely remove the lesion and any surrounding tissue that might harbor abnormal cells, ensuring that the area heals properly and reduces the risk of the lesion returning.

Indications

• Presence of a benign lesion causing discomfort or pain
• Lesions that interfere with normal function (e.g., mobility, dexterity)
• Cosmetic concerns raised by the patient
• Biopsy-confirmed benign lesions larger than 3.1 cm in diameter

Preparation

• Follow specific pre-op instructions given by your healthcare provider
• Arrange for transportation home after the procedure
• Inform the medical team of any medications or supplements you are taking
• Adjust or stop certain medications if advised, particularly blood thinners
• Undergo any required diagnostic tests such as imaging or blood work

Procedure Description

1. The area around the lesion is cleaned and sterilized.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
3. The surgeon uses a scalpel to make an incision around the lesion, including a margin of healthy tissue.
4. The lesion and surrounding margin are carefully removed.
5. The surgical area is checked for complete removal and then sutured closed.
6. A dressing is applied to protect the wound.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion.

Setting

The procedure is performed in an outpatient clinic or a surgical center.

Personnel

• A surgeon (preferably a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon)
• Nurses or surgical assistants
• An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist (if general anesthesia is required, though typically only local anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the site of excision
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Scarring or changes in skin sensation
• Incomplete removal requiring additional surgery
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia

Benefits

• Removal of the lesion, alleviating any associated symptoms
• Improvement in appearance if the lesion was cosmetically unappealing
• Peace of mind with a reduced risk of the lesion turning into something more serious

Recovery

• Keep the wound clean and dry as per the physician’s instructions
• Follow medication guidelines to manage pain and prevent infection
• Avoid strenuous activity and stretching the area until it has healed
• Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to check the healing progress

Alternatives

• Monitoring the lesion for changes over time
• Cryotherapy (freezing the lesion)
• Laser removal or other minimally invasive techniques
• Electrosurgery (burning the lesion off) Each alternative varies in terms of invasiveness, recovery time, and effectiveness.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, you will not feel pain due to local anesthesia, but you may feel some pressure or movement.
• After the procedure, you might experience mild pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain relief medications and proper care.
• Full recovery typically occurs within a few weeks, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days, following specific guidelines provided by the healthcare provider.