A mathematical model for decreasing the surface area of surgical excisions

Repair of lower extremity excision defects poses a surgical challenge, and as a result, split-thickness skin grafting is often used to close large defects. By minimizing the size of the defect, a smaller graft can be used, which may translate into improvements in wound healing and the aesthetic outcome.

To demonstrate, using a mathematical model, how to decrease the surface area of excisions on lower extremities requiring split-thickness skin grafting.

Four patients had cutaneous neoplasms excised from their lower legs. The resulting defects underwent partial primary closure with removal of Burrow's triangle. The new dimensions of the defect were recorded, and the surface area of the pre- and postprimary closure was calculated.

Modest decreases in the dimensions of the ovoid-ellipsoid defect translated to large decreases in the surface area requiring split-thickness skin graft repair.

Using a mathematical model, we quantified how it is possible to decrease the size of an excision site. This reduction in surface area may translate to benefits in a postoperative outcomes.