Series spiral advancement flap: an alternative to the ellipse.
BACKGROUND
Surgical excision of skin lesions is a common dermatologic procedure.


OBJECTIVE
An alternative to the elliptical excision is described.


METHODS
We present an excisional technique that creates a series of nonepidermal outwardly spiraling flaps. The surgical defect is closed with specially tunneled absorbable suture.


RESULTS
There has been no increase in infectious complications or wound failures compared with standard ellipses. Proper patient and lesion selection aids in obtaining an acceptable outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The series spiral advancement flap has the potential to become a useful and common surgical technique.
Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
P J
PJ
Weber
B R
BR
Moody
J A
JA
Foster
D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004146:Dioxanes; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011091:Polyesters; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures
D004146:Dioxanes; D011091:Polyesters; C095495:glycolide E-caprolactone copolymer