Informed consent. A succinct but comprehensive informed consent should be obtained before performing skin biopsies. Patients must be told of the rationale and objectives of the procedure, the basic technique to be used, and the potential complications arising from such interventions. At a minimum, we like to include the following. The nature of the biopsy procedure, rather it be diagnostic versus therapeutic. Pain or discomfort during the injection of the anesthetic. A definitive diagnosis may not be rendered even after an adequate biopsy. There is potential for a permanent scar. Complications are possible but usually minor, including bleeding, infection, and dehiscence. Recurrence of skin lesions is always possible. Further treatment, whether it be surgical or medical, may be necessary. Preoperative photographs will be taken as part of the medical record. Assigned informed consent form is required only in the case of an excisional biopsy, but appropriate documentation in the chart should be available for all types of biopsies. It is important to remember that the patient forgets information given to them before surgical procedures, and some may become litigious if complications arise. We have demonstrated that patient's recall is only 25% at 20 minutes and one week after delivery of written and oral information before Mohs surgery.

informed consent

skin biopsies

complications

patient recall

Mohs surgery