Name of the Procedure:

Excision, tumor, soft tissue of upper arm or elbow area, subcutaneous; 3 cm or greater

Summary

This procedure involves surgically removing a tumor located in the soft tissue beneath the skin of the upper arm or elbow. The tumor must be 3 centimeters or greater in size to warrant this specific type of excision.

Purpose

The procedure addresses the presence of benign or malignant tumors in the soft tissue of the upper arm or elbow. The goals are to remove the tumor, relieve symptoms, and prevent the spread of cancerous cells if the tumor is malignant.

Indications

• Presence of a palpable, visibly growing, or symptomatic soft tissue tumor
• Pain, discomfort, or functional impairment in the upper arm or elbow area
• Concerns of malignancy based on imaging or biopsy results
• Patient's overall health allows for surgical intervention

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours prior to the procedure if general anesthesia will be used
• Adjustments to medication as instructed by the healthcare provider
• Preoperative imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to assess the tumor
• Blood tests and physical examination to ensure fitness for surgery

Procedure Description

1. Administration of local anesthesia, regional block, or general anesthesia based on the patient's condition and preferences.
2. The surgeon makes an incision over the tumor site to expose the subcutaneous tissue.
3. Careful dissection is performed to excise the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
4. The excised tissue is sent to pathology for further evaluation.
5. The incision is closed using sutures or surgical staples.
6. Sterile dressings are applied to the wound.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and size of the tumor.

Setting

It is performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon
• Surgical nurse
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
• Pathologist (for postoperative analysis)

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Bleeding
• Infection at the surgical site
• Scarring

Rare complications:

• Damage to surrounding nerves or tissues
• Hematoma formation
• Recurrence of the tumor if not entirely removed

Benefits

• Relief from pain or discomfort
• Improved function of the arm and elbow
• Reduced risk of tumor progression or malignancy Patients may begin to experience benefits immediately after recovery from surgery.

Recovery

• Maintain the dressing on the wound as instructed
• Keep the surgical site clean and dry
• Follow prescribed pain management protocols
• Avoid strenuous activities for several weeks
• Attend follow-up appointments for wound check and suture removal

Alternatives

• Watchful waiting with regular monitoring if the tumor is asymptomatic
• Non-surgical treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy, particularly for malignant tumors
• Pros of alternatives: Less invasive or no surgery required
• Cons of alternatives: May not completely remove the tumor, slower symptom relief

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under anesthesia and should not feel pain. Postoperatively, they may experience mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising, manageable with prescribed medications and comfort measures.