Suturing and Perfecting the Ellipse

The Suturing and Perfecting the Ellipse course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced surgical techniques related to skin cancer excisions, focusing on the most common surgical method: the elliptical excision. The course is structured into three comprehensive units, each designed to equip healthcare professionals with the practical skills needed to perform precise, effective procedures.

Unit 1: Introduction to Suturing and Ellipse Excision
This unit introduces the fundamental principles of elliptical excisions, highlighting their significance in skin cancer surgery. Participants will learn how to mark and assess lesions using dermatoscopy, plan excisions based on lesion size and type, and use the ellipse as the primary technique for skin cancer surgery. Practical examples illustrate the process of marking, cutting, and suturing ellipses on various body parts, emphasizing how to achieve clean, well-closed scars​.

Unit 2: Advanced Techniques for Cutting and Suturing
This unit delves into the technical aspects of excising the ellipse, including optimal scalpel handling, blade tilting for clean cuts, and ensuring vertical margins. Participants will explore techniques for achieving eversion of wound edges, avoiding fishtail scars, and properly managing the excision to achieve precise closure. The unit also covers critical skills like undermining tissue for better apposition and reducing tension during suturing​.

Unit 3: Suturing Techniques and Considerations
The final unit focuses on advanced suturing methods, including simple buried sutures, sliding knots, pulley sutures, and continuous suturing. Detailed demonstrations show how to handle challenging closures, such as those on thin or elderly skin. Participants will also learn how to assess tension, prevent gaping wounds, and achieve optimal cosmetic outcomes. Practical tips for working with delicate skin and using reinforcement techniques are provided to help manage complex closures​.

This course is essential for healthcare professionals who want to master the technical skills required for effective and aesthetically pleasing excisions, ensuring both functional and cosmetic success in skin cancer surgeries.

1. Classify and assess appropriate suturing techniques. 
2. Decide how to perform safe elliptical excisions in all anatomical regions with appropriate margins based on NHMRC guidelines. 
3. Plan surgical procedures in a simulated setting, including suturing techniques (simple interrupted, buried dermal, sliding dermal, vertical/horizontal mattress, Mirini sutures, pulley dermal sutures, half-buried horizontal mattress and continuous) and suturing on paper-thin skin, curettage and cautery, elliptical excisions, biopsies, lower leg grafts.

All degree qualified medical practitioners.