Avoidance of tattoo disruption: a further benefit of laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Tattoo disruption by surgical incision may cause distress especially in female patients who had their tattoo recently. Tattoos should be avoided where possible by alternative port site placement.

Abdominal tattoo can be useful to avoid a midline abdominal incision

“…In plastic surgery settings, skin tattoos can be considered a problem because the images can be located within the operative field interfering with the standard placement of surgical incisions; they can also interfere with the scaring process due to granulomatous reaction on some components of the inks used, or they even can hide dermatologic pathologies such as melanomas that might modify the prognosis for eventual further surgical procedures [3, 4]. The cost of the tattoo might be relatively high (up to 1400 usd) and can be considered a remarkable aspect of the person identity, therefore, it is extremely important to considerate its preservation during surgery [2–5]. Here, we report a case in which tattoo margins were used as surgical incision access for the removal of a desmoid tumour with patient’s consent.…”

Tattoo: a navigational tool, a lighthouse for biomolecular level precision in surgical endoscopy. Newton’s apple or Eve’s?

“…Surgery leaves a scar not only on the body but on the mind as well [2]. Avoiding disruption of a tattoo is a welcome development that is sure to enhance the mental and psychosocial well-being of our patients [3]. The laparoscopic surgeon has continued to challenge his best outputs in a precise pursuit for perfection to better the best.…”

“…Surgical endoscopy is the common thread for all the good work that has contributed to the present status leading to improved patientperceived outcomes on physical, social, and mental parameters. Avoidance of tattoo disruption is one such benefit of laparoscopic surgery [3]. It not only preserves the tattoo but also the basic tenets of informed consent.…”

“…It is something like the image of an apple that reminds us of either Eve or Newton or an iPod or simply the goodness of the fruit. It is in this light that the article by Gilliam [3] is an important assertion supporting the laparoscopic surgeon's quest for achieving the WHO's goal of health. It also empowers the patients to exercise their right to preserve the skin they wear and what they cherish most while being able to pursue the ordeal by knife.…”

“…Utilizing the art of tattoo aids our craft in respecting the principles of ''nonmaleficence'' and justice [10]. It is in this light that the authors of the article on avoiding tattoo disruption [3] deserve accolades for thinking afresh in the face of inevitability of change [11]. The adaptation of the thinking endosurgeon in preserving a tattoo indicates our coming of evolutionary chronology.…”