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Patient satisfaction after removal of skin lesions
Author(s) -
Rissin Y,
Fodor L,
Ishach H,
Oded R,
Ramon Y,
Ullmann Y
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2007.02146.x
Subject(s) - medicine , scars , patient satisfaction , surgery , malignancy , lesion , skin lesion , dermatology
Background Removal of skin lesions is one of the most common surgical procedures, with the number increasing progressively since the 1980s. Objective We tried to evaluate the satisfaction level of patients after removal of skin lesions and to identify the factors influencing it. Study design The study group consisted of 138 patients who had skin lesions removed by shaving or primary excision and closure. They were evaluated 1 year after the procedure. Two questionnaires were completed independently by the patient and the surgeon. Results The main indication for the procedure was suspicion of malignancy, functional disturbance, or aesthetic reason. The satisfaction level (general and specific areas) for patients who had a malignant tumour removed was similar to those who had a benign tumour removed. Females were less satisfied than males ( P = 0.05). Younger people were less satisfied with the aesthetic results ( P = 0.007). Patients who had at least one significant side‐effect were less satisfied than those who did not mention any side‐effects ( P = 0.038). The higher the level of patient satisfaction, the higher the level of surgeon satisfaction ( P = 0.012). Conclusion Skin lesions removal, although considered to be a minor procedure, leaves scars that sometimes disturb the patient. According to our study, the most prevalent population for dissatisfaction is females and young males.