Diagnostic and surgical accuracy and economic aspects of dermatological surgery - A pilot study

Background: Good skin care for oncological dermatological patients includes efficacious excision to achieve tumour control and economically reasonable costs. This field concerns dermatologists as much as other surgical specialities. Methods: Of 944 excisions and biopsies, we studied 114 epidermal carcinomas excised by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. This allowed us to compare the accuracy concerning oncological surgical aspects as well as the extrapolated costs produced by these two specialities. Results: Dermatologists are significantly more accurate concerning total excision of epidermal tumours compared to plastic surgeons. Conclusion: From an economic point of view, plastic surgeons are increasingly more expensive than dermatologists. Most expenses are due to the use of a hospital operating room. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.