Revisiting the purse-string closure: some new methods and modifications.
BACKGROUND
Surgical wounds resulting from the extirpation of cutaneous malignancies can be repaired in a number of ways. One alternative, which has been used extensively in our practice, is the purse-string closure. This method of closure offers distinct advantages in the proper setting over traditional methods of closure.


OBJECTIVE
Over the years, our approach to this procedure has evolved, and we have integrated a number of new modifications that are presented later here.


METHODS
A report of three illustrative cases is given.


RESULTS
Three cases are presented that illustrate some new modifications to the purse-string closure.


CONCLUSIONS
The purse-string closure, which uses circumferential tissue advancement, can be used to close a wide range of surgical wounds. This method also frequently offers the advantage of an excellent cosmetic outcome.
Weisberg
Noah Kawika
NK
Skin and Laser Surgery Center of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19102, USA.
Greenbaum
Steven S
SS
D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology