25071 Excision, tumor, soft tissue of forearm and/or wrist area, subcutaneous; 3 cm or greater

Name of the Procedure:

Excision of Tumor, Subcutaneous Soft Tissue of Forearm and/or Wrist Area, 3 cm or Greater

Summary

This surgical procedure involves the removal of a tumor located in the subcutaneous soft tissue of the forearm or wrist. The tumor being removed is typically 3 centimeters or larger in size.

Purpose

The procedure aims to:

• Remove benign or malignant tumors from the subcutaneous tissues of the forearm or wrist.
• Prevent the spread of malignant tumors.
• Alleviate symptoms associated with the tumor, such as pain or discomfort.

Indications

• Presence of a noticeable lump or mass in the forearm or wrist area.
• Pain or discomfort in the affected region.
• Diagnostic imaging indicating the presence of a tumor.
• Biopsy results suggesting malignancy.

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Medications such as blood thinners may need to be adjusted.
• Pre-procedure imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to locate the tumor accurately.
• Blood tests to check overall health status.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia or sedation is administered to ensure patient comfort.
2. An incision is made over the site of the tumor.
3. Surgical tools are used to carefully excise the tumor and some surrounding tissue to ensure complete removal.
4. The surgical site is examined for residual tumor tissue.
5. The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
6. A dressing is applied over the incision site.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the tumor's size and location.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• A surgeon specializing in soft tissue surgery.
• An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.
• Surgical nurses and technicians.

Risks and Complications

• Common: Infection, bleeding, scarring.
• Rare: Nerve damage, incomplete removal requiring additional surgery, adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Benefits

• Removal of the tumor can alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
• Pathological examination of the excised tumor to determine its nature, guiding future treatment.
• Immediate relief from discomfort or pain associated with the tumor.

Recovery

• Patients are typically monitored for a few hours post-procedure.
• Pain management medications may be prescribed.
• Instructions include keeping the incision clean and dry.
• Avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks.
• Follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and discuss pathology results.

Alternatives

• Observation and regular monitoring for small, benign tumors.
• Needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration for diagnostic purposes without full excision.
• Radiation or chemotherapy for certain malignant tumors, though these are often complementary to surgical removal.

Patient Experience

• The patient will likely feel groggy and tired immediately after the procedure due to anesthesia.
• Pain and discomfort at the incision site, manageable with prescribed pain relief medication.
• Normal activities can typically be resumed after a few weeks, with full recovery expected in 4-6 weeks.
• Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure no recurrence of the tumor.