The punch and purse-string suture technique.

Abstract

Palmar hyperhidrosis can be successfully treated by thoracoscopic sympathicotomy, the anterior approach being the most common one. Unfortunately the resulting scars are blemishing. Incision on the upper frontside of thorax leave conspicuous scars and not uncommonly keloids. Likewise the traditional method used for radical excision of naevi leaves large scars in comparison with the size of the mark removed. With the increased awareness of malignant melanoma excision of birthmarks and naevi is increasingly being demanded. There is also a desire for more cosmetically acceptable scars. Is it possible, then, to reduce the size of these scars and make them less conspicuous? In two separate studies a new method has been designed and tested--the punch and purse-string suture technique by which the size of the scars is reduced and of a different shape. In one of the studies, the traditional method and the new technique were compared in the same patient.