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Maintaining tissue orientation during mohs micrographic surgery: scalpel versus marker
Sepideh Bagheri1, Thomas King, Hildamari Justiniano
1Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA. 95816
Summary
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) orientation is crucial. Both scalpel skin scoring and gentian violet marking effectively maintain tissue orientation without significant scarring, ensuring surgical accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Accurate tissue orientation is vital for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) success.
- Existing orientation techniques lack direct comparative studies.
- Maintaining the relationship between excised tissue and skin is paramount.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare tissue orientation loss from skin scoring versus gentian violet marking in MMS.
- Assess scar incidence from skin scoring techniques.
- Evaluate the reliability of orientation methods in Mohs surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective randomized study of patients undergoing MMS.
- Tissue margin orientation using either light scalpel scoring or gentian violet marking.
- Primary outcomes: tissue orientation loss and scar formation.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 101 tumors showed no instances of tissue orientation loss.
- No visible scars from skin scoring were observed at follow-up.
- Both scalpel scoring and gentian violet marking proved effective.
Conclusions:
- Low incidence of excessive scarring from light skin scoring.
- Low incidence of tissue orientation loss with gentian violet marking.
- Both methods are effective for maintaining tissue orientation in MMS.
