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Surgical excision

Surgical excision is the removal of tissue. A sharp knife (scalpel) is typically used for skin tissue removal. For deeper tissue inside the body, specialized instruments are used, such as staplers, electrocautery devices, or ultrasonic scalpels.

References

Olbricht S. Biopsy techniques and basic excisions. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 146.

Review Date 7/9/2025

Updated by: John Meilahn, MD, General Surgeon, Wyndmoor, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.