Surgery's Role in HS Treatment: A Collaborative Revolution
The surgical approach to HS (Hidradenitis Suppurativa) is evolving, and it's all thanks to a powerful collaboration. But here's the catch: it's not just about the surgeons. At the 10th Annual Symposium on HS Advances, Dr. Ralph George, a renowned surgical oncologist, shared a groundbreaking perspective.
The Symposium's Highlights:
Dr. George, an associate professor and surgical expert, presented 'Procedural Interventions Across the Spectrum of HS' at the HS Foundation-hosted event. In an exclusive interview with Dermatology Times, he revealed:
Q: What's the core message from your presentation?
A: The main takeaway is that surgical interventions are becoming increasingly effective for HS, but the reason is not solely due to surgical advancements. It's the result of a collaborative effort with other treatment modalities. As these treatments improve, surgery becomes even more impactful.
Q: How does this collaboration benefit patients?
A: Many patients are hesitant about surgery. However, the beauty of this collaboration is that surgery is not always necessary. For instance, patients with mild, localized HS may avoid lengthy treatments. Surgery can be a valuable tool across the entire HS spectrum, not just for severe cases. It's a flexible option.
And here's where it gets controversial...
Q: What's driving this progress in HS treatment?
A: There's a lot of exciting research and advancements in HS, and it's challenging to keep up! Surgery, while essential, is just one piece of the puzzle. Bench research and clinical trials are revolutionizing our understanding and treatment of HS, enabling surgeons to contribute more effectively.
Q: What makes disease-specific meetings like SHSA unique?
A: SHSA brings together a diverse group, from molecular biologists to patients and surgeons. This unique dynamic is rare in medical conferences, which often cater to specific specialties. The collaborative spirit at SHSA is refreshing, and we can learn a lot from each other's perspectives.
Q: What's the future of HS treatment?
A: HS treatment still has a long way to go. Unlike in breast cancer, where surgery's role is diminishing, we hope to see surgery become even more effective in HS. The ultimate goal is to have advancements that make surgical interventions less necessary, and we're getting closer to that reality.
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Note: This article highlights the evolving nature of medical practices and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, which may spark discussions on the future of surgical interventions.
