Korean J Dermatol.  2004 Oct;42(10):1329-1332.

Treatment of Benign Tumors by Excision Using Purse-String Suture

• Kim YJ
• Kim MY
• Park YM
• Kim HO
• Ahn SY

Abstract

The fusiform excision is planned in a 3-4: 1 length to width ratio, not to produce a dog-ear. This much longer linear scar than the diameter of the tumor itself can make cosmetic problems, especially in the cases of tumors on the thigh. In order to reduce the linear scarring, the purse-string suture can be used, especially for circular lesions. Purse-string suture technique uses an intradermal suture placed circumferentially around an oval defect to reduce the size of the defect. This technique offers the advantages of quick placement, depending on the cases, no need for flap or graft, shorter overall scar length, and excellent cosmetic outcome in selected wounds. We report two cases of benign tumors on the thigh treated with excision along the margin of tumor and purse-string suture repair, satisfactorily resulting in a short linear scar.

Keyword

Purse-string suture; Skin defect repair

MeSH Terms

Cicatrix
Suture Techniques
Sutures*
Thigh
Transplants
Wounds and Injuries