Dermotomy is a medical term used to describe the act of making an incision or a surgical cut into the skin. It is derived from the Greek words "derma," meaning skin, and "tome," meaning incision or cutting instrument. Dermotomy is a procedure commonly performed in various medical disciplines, including dermatology, plastic surgery, and general surgery.
Dermotomy may be used to access underlying tissues, organs, or structures, or to remove a skin lesion or growth for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The procedure can be performed using different instruments, such as a scalpel or a laser, depending on the purpose and specific requirements of the treatment.
Dermotomy is typically carried out under sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection. The area of the skin to be incised is usually marked beforehand, and local or general anesthesia may be administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
After the dermotomy, the wound is carefully sutured or closed using various techniques, such as staples, adhesive strips, or absorbable sutures, to promote proper healing and minimize scarring. Post-operative care, including wound dressing and possible administration of antibiotics or analgesics, may also be necessary.
Overall, dermotomy is a surgical technique employed to gain access to deeper tissues, remove skin growths, or perform reconstructive procedures, with the aim of improving patient health and wellbeing.
