Patient satisfaction after removal of skin lesions

Removal of skin lesions is one of the most common surgical procedures, with the number increasing progressively since the 1980s.

We tried to evaluate the satisfaction level of patients after removal of skin lesions and to identify the factors influencing it.

The study group consisted of 138 patients who had skin lesions removed by shaving or primary excision and closure. They were evaluated 1 year after the procedure. Two questionnaires were completed independently by the patient and the surgeon.

The main indication for the procedure was suspicion of malignancy, functional disturbance, or aesthetic reason. The satisfaction level (general and specific areas) for patients who had a malignant tumour removed was similar to those who had a benign tumour removed. Females were less satisfied than males (P = 0.05). Younger people were less satisfied with the aesthetic results (P = 0.007). Patients who had at least one significant side-effect were less satisfied than those who did not mention any side-effects (P = 0.038). The higher the level of patient satisfaction, the higher the level of surgeon satisfaction (P = 0.012).

Skin lesion removal, although considered to be a minor procedure, leaves scars that sometimes disturb the patient. According to our study, the most prevalent population for dissatisfaction is females and young males.