Review of infection and bleeding complications in excisional skin surgery

Abstract

Skin excision is the primary treatment for skin cancer. Complication rates from skin cancer excision are generally low but rates of complications may vary according to procedural complexity, site, and patient factors. It is important that patients are fully informed through the consent process considering individual circumstances, the Montgomery ruling and material risks. The clinician must use an evidence-based approach to the consent process and assessment of risk. We have searched the literature and reviewed the current evidence regarding complications, and their incidence where applicable following excisional skin surgery. This article aims to enable clinicians to better inform patients during the consent process of associated bleeding and infection risk.