Review of Cutaneous Repairs on the Hand and Fingers Following Dermatologic Surgery

Division

West Florida

Hospital

Largo Medical Center

Document Type

Review Article

Publication Date

7-1-2023

Keywords

basal cell carcinoma, dermatologic surgery, squamous cell carcinoma

Disciplines

Dermatology | Neoplasms | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases | Surgical Procedures, Operative

Abstract

Removal of cutaneous malignancies on the hand and fingers can result in challenging surgical defects to close. The dermatologic surgeon must not only be highly skilled, but also be knowledgeable regarding the complex anatomy of this area to perform reconstruction that provides optimal functional and cosmetic results. This review highlights key anatomic factors that must be considered when operating in this region. Wound management options discussed below include secondary intention, primary linear repair, local skin flaps, interpolation flaps, and skin grafting. The surgeon's choice is based on defect size, the presence/absence of adjacent skin laxity, and other patient-specific factors that may impact healing such as medical comorbidities, utilization of anticoagulant medications, and smoking status. This manuscript serves as an up-to-date review of closure considerations and techniques for physicians who surgically treat cutaneous malignancies of the hand and fingers.

Publisher or Conference

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology

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