Name of the Procedure:

Injection, intralesional; more than 7 lesions
Common Names: Intralesional Injection, Lesion Injection

Summary

An intralesional injection involves administering medication directly into a lesion (such as a growth or other abnormal tissue) rather than through oral or systemic methods. When more than seven lesions are treated in one session, this procedure is referred to as "Injection, intralesional; more than 7 lesions."

Purpose

The primary purpose of intralesional injections is to directly deliver medication to the target area, reducing systemic side effects and enhancing localized treatment effectiveness. This procedure is commonly used to treat conditions like keloids, psoriasis plaques, warts, and other localized skin disorders.

Indications

• Persistent or extensive lesions such as warts, keloids, or hypertrophic scars
• Psoriatic plaques
• Granulomas
• Lichen planus
• Other dermatologic conditions that are resistant to topical treatments

Preparation

• Patients may be advised to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
• Pre-procedure antiseptic cleaning of the lesion sites is typically performed.
• Depending on the patient's condition, a topical anesthetic or local numbing agent might be applied.
• No significant fasting or extensive preparation is usually required.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider identifies and marks the lesions to be treated.
2. The skin surface is cleaned and sterilized.
3. A small needle is used to inject the medication directly into each lesion.
4. The number of injections required depends on the size and extent of each lesion.
5. The procedure can involve corticosteroids, immunotherapy drugs, or other medications tailored to the specific condition.

Duration

The procedure typically takes around 20-40 minutes, depending on the number and size of lesions.

Setting

This procedure is typically performed in an outpatient clinic or a dermatologist's office.

Personnel

• Dermatologist or a trained healthcare provider
• Nurse or medical assistant for preparation and support

Risks and Complications

• Local pain or discomfort at the injection site
• Infection
• Skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation
• Atrophy or thinning of the skin at the injection site
• Allergic reactions to the medication used

Benefits

• Delivers high concentrations of medication directly to the lesion
• Reduces systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications
• Many patients see an improvement in symptoms within weeks to months

Recovery

• Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• It is advised to avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor progress and decide if additional treatments are required.

Alternatives

• Topical treatments (creams, ointments)
• Systemic medications (oral drugs)
• Cryotherapy or laser therapy
• Surgical removal of lesions
• Potential drawbacks of alternatives include slower response times and more systemic side effects.

Patient Experience

• Mild pain or stinging sensation during the injection.
• Minor swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites, typically resolving within a few days.
• Pain management can include over-the-counter pain relievers or advice on cold packs to ease discomfort.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and treatment options.