Free Margin Distortion

Abstract

Surgical complications are a function of host factors, surgical skill, and other considerations that are sometimes obscure. Complications are unavoidable even in the best hands and adverse events should always be anticipated. To minimize future adverse events, a skilled surgeon should know how to manage complications and learn from mistakes. Understanding the consequences of the various options in wound reconstruction and management is essential to minimize the incidence of adverse events. In addition, a thorough discussion of the procedure, risks, benefits, and possible complications with the patient will minimize unnecessary misunderstanding or anger should the reconstruction have a suboptimal outcome. In this regard, it is important to inform the patient that more than one procedure may be required to achieve the best result. Otherwise, the patient may presume that the initial surgery has produced the best and only possible result, which is often not the case. It is critical for the surgeon to have a sense of the patient’s expectations in order to anticipate the problematic patient and explain the probable outcome in advance. The patient must be prepared so that surgical outcome matches patient’s expectations.