Shave Excision Versus Elliptical Excision of Nonpigmented Intradermal Melanocytic Nevi: Comparative Assessment of Recurrence and Cosmetic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Nonpigmented intradermal melanocytic nevi (IMN) are benign lesions often removed for cosmetic reasons. There is no consensus as to the best technique for IMN excision. OBJECTIVE: To compare cosmetic outcomes and risk of recurrence after shave excision versus elliptical excision of IMN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, patients underwent shave excision or elliptical excision with sutured closure of IMN of the face or back. Recurrence, patient satisfaction, cosmetic outcome, postoperative discomfort, scar size, discoloration, and presence of hypertrophic or keloid scars were evaluated at 3, 6, and 9 months. RESULTS: Overall, 145 nevi were removed from 45 patients (86.7% women, mean age 52.1 ± 12.5 years). The recurrence rate was 11.7%, occurring only after shave excision; 94.1% of recurrences were observed at 3-month follow-up. Shave excision was associated with less discomfort 48 hours after intervention but a greater likelihood of involved lateral and deep margins (p < .001). Scars were larger after elliptical excision and suture than after shave excision (p < .01). The mean patient satisfaction was higher in the shave excision group (p < .004). CONCLUSION: Shave excision of IMN is associated with higher rates of involved surgical margins and recurrence than elliptical excision but provides superior cosmesis and patient satisfaction.

Ensaio clínico randomizado sobre a análise comparativa entre excisão de nevos melanocítos intradérmicos por shaving versus excisão em elipse e sutura / Comparative analysis between sutured elliptical excision and shaving of intradermal melanocytic nevi: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Introdução: apesar de os nevos melanocíticos intradérmicos serem lesões benignas, muitos pacientes recorrem ao dermatologista para sua exérese. Entretanto, não existem estudos sobre o melhor método para esse procedimento. Objetivo: comparar em ensaio clínico randomizado a exérese de nevos melanocíticos intradérmicos na face, por shaving e excisão em elipse com sutura Métodos: foram selecionados pacientes com nevos melanocíticos intradérmicos na face para os dois métodos, randomicamente. Os resultados foram descritos quanto à satisfação do paciente e aos registros fotográficos avaliados por médico cegado. Resultados: 18 pacientes foram submetidos à exérese de nevos melanocíticos intradérmicos. A média de tamanho da cicatriz após seis meses foi de 8,11mm para as lesões excisadas por fuso e de 2,92mm para as por shaving (p < 0,05). A média da nota dos pacientes após seis meses foi 9,67 (fuso) e 9,57 (shaving) (p = 0,8). A média pelo médico cegado foi 7,78 (fuso) e 7,86 (shaving) (p = 0,91). Ocorreu recidiva da lesão em 28,6% dos pacientes submetidos ao shaving. Conclusões: As duas formas de excisão se equivalem quanto à satisfação do paciente e nota dada pela equipe médica quanto aos resultados estéticos da cicatriz. Contudo, a exérese por fuso tem a vantagem de apresentar menor índice de recidiva.

Introduction: Although the intradermal melanocytic nevi are benign lesions, many patients seek for dermatologists for their excision. However, there are no studies about the best method for this procedure. Objective: To compare in a randomized clinical trial the excision of intradermal melanocytic nevi in the face for shaving and elliptical excision with suture Methods: Patients with intradermal melanocytic nevi on the face were selected for removal by shaving or ellipse, randomly. The results were described regarding patient satisfaction and photographic records evaluated by a blinded physician. Results: 18 patients underwent excision of intradermal melanocytic nevi. The mean scar size after six months of the procedure was of 8,11mm for the excision in ellipse and 2,92mm for the shaving (p < 0.05). The mean score of the patients after six months was 9.67 (ellipse) and 9.57 (shaving) (p = 0.8). The mean by the blinded physician was of 7.78 (ellipse) and 7.86 (shaving) (p = 0.91). 28.6% of patients undergoing shaving had recurrence of the nevus. Conclusions: The two forms are of excision are equivalent concerning patients satisfaction and the judgment of medical team about the aesthetic results of the scar. However, ellipse with suture excision has the advantage of having a lower relapse.