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Published on: December 1, 2014
Series spiral advancement flap: an alternative to the ellipse
P J Weber1, B R Moody, J A Foster
1Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Background:
Surgical excision of skin lesions is a common dermatologic procedure.
Objective:
An alternative to the elliptical excision is described.
Methods:
We present an excisional technique that creates a series of nonepidermal outwardly spiraling flaps. The surgical defect is closed with specially tunneled absorbable suture.
Results:
There has been no increase in infectious complications or wound failures compared with standard ellipses. Proper patient and lesion selection aids in obtaining an acceptable outcome.
Conclusion:
The series spiral advancement flap has the potential to become a useful and common surgical technique.
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