Excisional Surgery Procedures: An Overview

Excisional surgery is a common medical procedure used to remove abnormal tissue or growths from the body. This type of surgery involves cutting out the affected area along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. Excisional surgery may be performed for various reasons, including to diagnose, treat, or prevent certain conditions. Here, we will explore some common excisional surgery procedures and how they are used in medical practice.

Skin Lesion Removal: One of the most common uses of excisional surgery is to remove skin lesions such as moles, cysts, or skin cancers. The procedure involves cutting out the abnormal growth along with a margin of healthy skin to prevent recurrence. Skin lesion removal is often done under local anesthesia in a dermatologist's office or outpatient surgical setting.

Breast Biopsy: Excisional surgery is also used in breast biopsies to remove suspicious lumps or areas of concern for further examination. During a breast biopsy, the surgeon removes a small tissue sample or the entire abnormal area for analysis to determine if it is cancerous or benign.

Lymph Node Dissection: In cases of cancer, excisional surgery may be used to remove lymph nodes for staging and treatment purposes. Lymph node dissection involves removing one or more lymph nodes from the area near the tumor to check for cancer spread. This procedure is commonly performed in patients with breast cancer, melanoma, or other types of cancer.

Lipoma Removal: Excisional surgery is often recommended for the removal of lipomas, which are noncancerous fatty lumps that can appear under the skin. The procedure involves making an incision, removing the lipoma, and closing the wound with sutures. Lipoma removal is typically a quick and straightforward outpatient procedure.

Gastrointestinal Surgery: Excisional surgery is used in gastrointestinal procedures such as bowel resection or polyp removal. In cases of colorectal cancer, for example, a segment of the colon containing the tumor may be removed through excisional surgery. Polyps in the gastrointestinal tract can also be removed using this approach to prevent them from turning cancerous.

In conclusion, excisional surgery procedures are essential in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various medical conditions. These procedures are performed by trained surgeons and medical professionals to ensure the safe and effective removal of abnormal tissue or growths from the body. If you have been recommended for an excisional surgery procedure, it is essential to discuss the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with your healthcare provider.