The Role of Nursing and Radiologic Collaboration in Enhancing Safety and Accuracy During Excisional Biopsy Procedures

Abstract

Background: An excisional biopsy is a fundamental diagnostic and therapeutic procedure involving the complete removal of a lesion, allowing for comprehensive histopathological evaluation of its architecture and margins. This technique is crucial for diagnosing various cutaneous, subcutaneous, and soft-tissue lesions, particularly when malignancy is suspected.

Aim: This article examines the critical role of interprofessional collaboration, specifically between nursing, radiology, and surgical teams, in enhancing the safety, accuracy, and efficacy of excisional biopsy procedures. It aims to outline a cohesive framework for perioperative management that optimizes patient outcomes.

Methods: The approach is a synthesis of best practices, detailing a collaborative workflow. This includes preoperative planning (e.g., radiological localization, surgical mapping aligned with skin tension lines), meticulous technique (atraumatic tissue handling, layered closure), and comprehensive post-procedure care. The methods emphasize the distinct yet interdependent roles of each team member in ensuring procedural success.

Results: Effective collaboration leads to definitive diagnostic yields, minimizes complications (e.g., bleeding, infection, poor scarring), and often provides curative treatment for small lesions. Key outcomes include accurate lesion removal confirmed via specimen radiology when needed, optimal cosmetic and functional results, and timely, coordinated follow-up based on pathology findings.

Conclusion: The success of an excisional biopsy is contingent upon a synergistic, interprofessional team model. This collaborative approach—integrating the skills of clinicians, nurses, radiologists, and pathologists—ensures procedural precision, enhances patient safety, and facilitates a seamless continuum of care from diagnosis to definitive management.