Comparison of the surgical outcomes of punch incision and elliptical excision in treating epidermal inclusion cysts: A prospective, randomized study

Hua En Lee, Chih Hsun Yang, Chien Hsun Chen, Hong Shang Hong, Yue Zon Kuan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Punch incision has been introduced as an alternative method to surgical excision for troublesome epidermal inclusion cysts. To date, there is no randomized study directly comparing the long-term results of these two methods. OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes of these two procedures and to identify the characteristics of a lesion most suitable for the punch incision technique. METHODS: In a 16-month period, 60 patients with noninfected epidermal inclusion cysts were randomly treated with either punch incision or elliptical excision. Demographic data, size, and location of lesion, length of wound, operative time, complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction were compared statistically. RESULTS: The mean lengths of the wounds in the punch incision and elliptical excision groups were 0.73 and 2.34 cm, respectively (p<.001). Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the punch group (12.7 minutes) as compared with the surgical group (21.6 minutes) (p<.001). No complication occurred in the punch incision group. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: Punch incision produces a superior cosmetic result while keeping a low recurrence rate of cysts. Epidermal inclusion cysts measuring 1 to 2 cm that are located on the face or in an area of cosmetic concern are best treated with punch incision.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)520-525
Number of pages6
JournalDermatologic Surgery
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 04 2006
Externally publishedYes

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