Excision and repair for skin cancer medicine

The course consists of three comprehensive units:

Unit 1: Simple Suturing Techniques
This unit introduces the foundational techniques for closing wounds following skin cancer excision. Participants will learn about the instruments required, suture selection, and the correct suturing methods for different areas of the body. The unit covers the simple interrupted suture technique, highlighting the importance of minimising tension and ensuring proper wound alignment to avoid scarring. Best practices for suture removal timelines based on the location of the excision are also discussed​.

Unit 2: Buried Dermal Suturing
In this unit, participants will learn the technique of buried dermal suturing, essential for closing deep wounds in two layers. The focus is on using absorbable sutures for the deep layer to reduce dead space and promote better healing. This technique ensures that the knot is buried deep in the tissue, avoiding irritation and allowing for a neater surface closure. Participants are encouraged to practice this technique to perfect their handling of deeper excisions​.

Unit 3: Elliptical Excision and Repair
The final unit covers the complete process of performing an elliptical excision and repair. Participants will learn how to mark the lesion, determine appropriate margins for excision, and follow natural skin tension lines to achieve optimal cosmetic results. The unit explains how to orientate the specimen for pathology, ensuring accurate margin analysis, and guides participants through the process of making precise, clean excisions and performing repairs. This unit also includes practice exercises to reinforce learning​.

This course equips healthcare professionals with the surgical skills necessary to manage skin cancer excisions with confidence and precision.

1. Plan treatment options for commonly occurring skin cancers. 
2. Outline the foundations of surgery: principles of wound management, asepsis, surgery set-up, local anaesthesia, sutures and dressings.

Suitable for all degree qualified medical practitioners.