24075 Excision, tumor, soft tissue of upper arm or elbow area, subcutaneous; less than 3 cm

Name of the Procedure:

Excision of Tumor, Soft Tissue of Upper Arm or Elbow Area, Subcutaneous; Less than 3 cm

Summary

This is a surgical procedure to remove a small, soft tissue tumor located just below the skin in the upper arm or elbow area. The tumor is less than three centimeters in size.

Purpose

This procedure addresses the presence of a subcutaneous tumor in the upper arm or elbow area. The goal is to completely remove the tumor to prevent further growth or potential malignancy and to alleviate any associated symptoms.

Indications

• Presence of a palpable lump or mass in the upper arm or elbow area.
• Symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or restricted motion of the arm.
• Suspicion of malignancy based on imaging or biopsy.
• Patient request for removal due to cosmetic concerns.

Preparation

• Fasting may be required for a certain number of hours before the procedure, depending on the anesthesia used.
• Patients may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the surgery.
• Pre-operative tests may include imaging studies and blood tests.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, and the area is sterilized.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
3. An incision is made over the tumor.
4. The tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue are carefully excised.
5. The wound is closed with sutures.
6. A sterile dressing is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Setting

This surgery is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon
• Surgical nurse
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist (if general or regional anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Scarring
• Nerve damage, leading to numbness or weakness
• Recurrence of the tumor

Benefits

• Complete removal of the tumor
• Relief from symptoms such as pain or discomfort
• Reduced risk of the tumor becoming malignant
• Improved cosmetic appearance if the tumor is noticeable

Recovery

• After the procedure, the patient may be given pain relievers and antibiotics.
• The surgical site should be kept clean and dry.
• Sutures may be removed during a follow-up appointment in 1-2 weeks.
• Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, although heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks.

Alternatives

• Monitoring the tumor with regular imaging if it is asymptomatic and not suspicious for malignancy.
• Needle biopsy to assess the nature of the tumor.
• Non-surgical treatments like injections for symptomatic relief.

Patient Experience

• Patients may experience mild discomfort during and after the procedure, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
• Local anesthesia minimizes pain during the surgery.
• Some swelling and bruising are normal post-procedure but should subside within a few days.
• Clear post-operative instructions will be given to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.