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Innovative resharpening of punch biopsy forceps for skin biopsies in resource-poor settings
*Corresponding author: Surajit Gorai, Department of Dermatology, Apollo Multispecialty Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. drsurajit@drgorai.com
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Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Gorai S. Innovative resharpening of punch biopsy forceps for skin biopsies in resource-poor settings. CosmoDerma. 2024;4:146. doi: 10.25259/CSDM_169_2024
PROBLEM
Punch skin biopsy is one of the most important and helpful procedures done in day-to-day clinical dermatology practice. Post ethylene dioxide sterilization reuse of punch is common in many dermatology setups for 3–4 times before disposal. In resource-constrained environments, the reusability of punch biopsy forceps after single use poses a challenge due to their tendency to become blunt. The conventional punch biopsy forceps used in skin biopsies often lose their sharpness over time, necessitating reusability after sterilization in resource-poor settings.
SOLUTION
A simple yet effective solution involves introducing small sterilized forceps (usually needed for skin biopsy) within the punch instrument through its entry point and roaring it a few times without pushing it hard. This allows it to automatically fit and, with a gentle rotation of 3–4 times, restores the punch’s sharpness. This method, termed Forceps Rotation within Punch for Sharpness (FRPS), proves to be a universally applicable technique, consistently delivering optimal results. Extensive application for six months on numerous patients has shown promising outcomes, prompting the initiative to report this innovative approach. The accompanying video demonstrates the practical implementation of the FRPS method, showcasing its ease of use and effectiveness in restoring punch biopsy forceps to their original sharpness. This innovation not only addresses a common challenge in resource-poor settings but also offers a sustainable and reproducible solution for enhanced skin biopsies.
Ethical approval
The Institutional Review Board approval is not required.
Declaration of patient consent
The author certifies that he has obtained all appropriate patient consent.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for manuscript preparation
The authors confirm that there was no use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for assisting in the writing or editing of the manuscript and no images were manipulated using AI.
Video available online at
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
