11401 Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), trunk, arms or legs; excised diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm

Name of the Procedure:

Excision of a benign lesion including margins, except skin tag, on the trunk, arms, or legs; excised diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm.

Summary

This procedure involves the surgical removal of a non-cancerous (benign) lesion, such as a mole or cyst, on the trunk, arms, or legs. The excised tissue includes a margin to ensure complete removal.

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to remove benign lesions that may be problematic due to size, location, or other symptoms like pain or infection. The goal is to alleviate any discomfort and to send the excised tissue for pathology to confirm it is benign.

Indications

• Presence of a benign lesion that is causing symptoms (e.g., pain, irritation).
• Cosmetic concerns.
• Lesions that have shown changes over time, warranting examination to rule out malignancy.

Preparation

• Patients may be advised to avoid eating or drinking several hours before the procedure, though this varies based on whether sedation is used.
• Medication adjustments might be necessary, especially blood thinners.
• Local cleaning of the skin near the lesion may be required.
• Pre-operative blood tests or imaging might be recommended.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, and the area of the lesion is cleaned and sterilized.
2. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area.
3. A small incision is made around the lesion, including a margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
4. The lesion and margin are carefully excised.
5. The incision is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.
6. The excised tissue is sent to a lab for pathological examination.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion.

Setting

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

Personnel

• A dermatologist or surgeon performs the excision.
• A nurse assists with preparation and post-procedure care.
• A pathology lab technician examines the excised tissue.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Bleeding, infection, scarring.
• Rare risks: Reactions to local anesthetic, incomplete removal requiring a second procedure.

Benefits

• Removal of the lesion provides immediate relief from symptoms.
• Improves cosmetic appearance of the skin.
• Pathological examination rules out malignancy.

Recovery

• Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
• Follow instructions regarding wound care, sutures, and dressing changes.
• Expect mild pain and swelling for a few days; over-the-counter pain medication can help.
• Avoid strenuous activities until the site heals, usually about 1-2 weeks.
• Follow-up appointment to check healing and discuss pathology results.

Alternatives

• Monitoring the lesion if it is not bothersome.
• Non-surgical treatments like cryotherapy or laser therapy.
• Each alternative has its pros and cons, such as the non-invasive nature of cryotherapy but often requiring multiple treatments.

Patient Experience

• The procedure itself is usually painless due to local anesthesia.
• Patients may feel a pulling sensation during excision.
• Mild discomfort at the site is typical post-procedure, manageable with pain medication.
• Full recovery and return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks in most cases.