title: Surgical pearl: the temporary assistant.
abstract: A simple maneuver is presented which simultaneously facilitates both adequate surgical site exposure and sufficient traction. A single suture with high tensile strength can be utilized to this end. This technique is especially helpful when the cutaneous surgeon is operating alone.
authors.affiliation: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. ajmd14@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Aleda A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Ida F
authors.initials: IF
authors.lastname: Orengo
mesh_terms: D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D003880:Dermatology / Q000379:methods*; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000601:surgery*; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures