Gelatin foam instead of suturing for punch biopsies on the scalp

Abstract

Punch biopsies from the scalp may bleed profusely and can be difficult to suture because of surrounding hair. 1 Shaving the scalp around the biopsy site is cosmetically impractical. SOLUTIONA piece of an absorbable gelatin foam sponge is cut to a width equal to 1.5 to 2 times the biopsy specimen width. The sponge is inserted immediately after the specimen is removed, and no cautery or sutures are required (Fig 1; Supplementary Video 1, available online at www.jaad.org). When there is brisk or arterial bleeding, the wider diameter of gelatin foam is preferable, and gentle pressure is applied until the dressing expands. Hemostatic mesh can be used in place of gelatin foam when bleeding is brisk. The senior author has used both Fig 1. Scalp biopsy site packed with gelatin foam.