Name of the Procedure:

Excision of Tumor, Soft Tissue of Abdominal Wall, Subcutaneous; 3 cm or Greater

Summary

This procedure involves surgically removing a tumor located in the subcutaneous soft tissue of the abdominal wall when it is 3 centimeters or larger in size.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this procedure is to remove benign or malignant tumors in the soft tissue of the abdominal wall that are causing symptoms or could potentially become problematic. The goal is to eliminate the tumor to prevent it from spreading, alleviate discomfort, and ensure a correct diagnosis via pathology.

Indications

• Presence of a palpable mass in the abdominal wall
• Pain or discomfort in the affected area
• Rapid growth of a known subcutaneous tumor
• Imaging studies indicating a suspicious tumor
• Previous biopsy results suggesting malignancy

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for a few hours prior to the procedure.
• Certain medications, especially blood thinners, might need to be adjusted or discontinued.
• Pre-operative blood tests and imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI) are usually required.
• Patients may need to sign a consent form acknowledging the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably on the surgical table.
2. Anesthesia, typically local or general, is administered based on the tumor's size and location.
3. The skin overlying the tumor is cleaned and sterilized.
4. A surgical incision is made over the site of the tumor.
5. Carefully, the tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue are excised.
6. The tissue is sent to pathology for examination.
7. The incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples.
8. A sterile dressing is applied to the surgical site.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the tumor's size and complexity.

Setting

It is usually performed in a hospital operating room or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used)
• Pathologist (for postoperative tissue analysis)

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the incision site
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Scarring
• Nerve damage leading to numbness or tingling
• Recurrence of the tumor if not completely removed
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

Benefits

• Removal of the tumor prevents potential spread and complications.
• Relief from pain and discomfort caused by the tumor.
• Clarification of tumor nature through pathological analysis.
• Improved quality of life and peace of mind.

Recovery

• Post-procedure mild pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain relievers.
• The surgical site should be kept clean and dry, with dressing changes as instructed.
• Avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.
• Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and discuss pathology results.

Alternatives

• Monitoring the tumor with regular imaging if surgery isn't immediately necessary.
• Less invasive procedures like biopsy or aspiration.
• Radiation or chemotherapy if the tumor is malignant and not easily accessible surgically.
• Pros: Potentially less risk and discomfort, Cons: Might not completely address the tumor issue or provide a definitive diagnosis.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, general anesthesia will render the patient unconscious and pain-free, while local anesthesia will numb the specific area. Post-operatively, patients might experience mild to moderate pain, managed with medication. Complete recovery and return to normal activities typically occur within a few weeks, with some variations based on individual healing rates.