Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]
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Multiple factors related to the nature of the surgical procedure can influence the risk of wound infection in dermatologic surgery. Despite that, wound infection rates in dermatologic surgical procedures are believed to be low. ⋯ Dermatologic surgery can be safely performed in an outpatient setting without a significant risk of infection. Certain anatomic sites, such as the ear, as well as size of postoperative defect, are important factors in predicting the risk of postoperative wound infection.
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This article continues our medicolegal series that addresses issues affecting current dermatology practice. Informed consent and informed refusal have become cornerstones of modern American healthcare, and can serve to facilitate communication and trust between physician and patient. ⋯ Failure to obtain a patient's informed consent prior to beginning treatment or failing to obtain an informed refusal before accepting a patient's decision to forego a test or procedure may subject the dermatologist to multiple later allegations, most commonly negligence.