Understanding Clean Margins

For malignant tumors, ensuring clean margins during surgery is vital:

  • Definition: Clean margins mean that no cancer cells are present at the edges of the tissue removed, indicating that the entire tumor was likely removed.
  • Technique: Our surgeons aim to excise beyond the visible mass, taking a margin of healthy tissue to ensure no microscopic spread is left behind. This approach might be more aggressive for certain cancers.

  • Follow-Up: Even with clean margins, follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor for any recurrence or to discuss further treatment options if needed.

  • Definition: Clean margins mean that no cancer cells are present at the edges of the tissue removed, indicating that the entire tumor was likely removed.
  • Technique: Our surgeons aim to excise beyond the visible mass, taking a margin of healthy tissue to ensure no microscopic spread is left behind. This approach might be more aggressive for certain cancers.
  • Follow-Up: Even with clean margins, follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor for any recurrence or to discuss further treatment options if needed.

Surgical Drains: What You Need to Know

After some mass removal surgeries, we might use surgical drains:

  • Purpose: Drains help remove excess fluid or blood accumulation, reducing the risk of infection, seroma, or hematoma formation.
  • Types: Common types include passive drains (like Penrose drains) and active suction drains, each used based on the surgery’s specifics.

  • Care: We will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the drain, including cleaning, monitoring for signs of infection, and when to expect removal.
  • Recovery: Drains are usually removed within days to a week, depending on the drainage and healing

  • Purpose: Drains help remove excess fluid or blood accumulation, reducing the risk of infection, seroma, or hematoma formation.
  • Types: Common types include passive drains (like Penrose drains) and active suction drains, each used based on the surgery’s specifics.
  • Care: We will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the drain, including cleaning, monitoring for signs of infection, and when to expect removal.
  • Recovery: Drains are usually removed within days to a week, depending on the drainage and healing