[Shave excision of melanocytic nevi of the skin: indications, technique, results].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Shave excision of nevi is a technique still under debate. Speed, simplicity, and the fact that it provides excised material for histologic examination are contrasted with the lack of excision margins and a higher rate of nevus recurrences. In this study, the pros and cons of shave excision were evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Conventional excisions (268 nevi with intracutaneous butterfly sutures) and shave excisions (403 nevi) were compared with the patients' subjective assessments and objective parameters as recurrence, color, depth, surface smoothness of the scars, and the healing process. The nevi, found on the entire integument, ranged in diameter from 2 to 15 mm, with an average of 5 mm. A second excision was performed only in cases in which an early malignant melanoma could not be excluded.

RESULTS

Shave excisions were evaluated subjectively as being better. Shave excisions resulted in fewer complications (7.9% versus 15%), but recurrences were more frequent (18.1% versus 6.0%). There was no close relationship between histopathologic finding of complete excision and recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

Small nevi without clinical suspicion of malignant melanoma can be removed with the shave excision technique with good results. Patients should be informed about the higher rate of recurrences. The appliance of the shave technique requires exact knowledge and experience, enabling good histopathologic examinations.