The role of imaging in the prevention of wrong-site surgery in dermatology

Abstract

Wrong-site surgery in dermatology often results from inaccurate identification of a skin cancer biopsy site. Factors making biopsy-site identification difficult include background actinic damage, delays from biopsy to surgery, and lack of photographic documentation. While other methods exist for biopsy-site identification, photography is the most helpful tool available. Although modern technology has made high-quality photographic equipment ubiquitous and easy to use, photography for biopsy-site identification continues to be underutilized. The authors recommend that photographic documentation of biopsy sites become the standard of care.

Keywords: Mohs surgery; biopsy; imaging; photography.