Use of Permanent Markers for Intraoperative Marking in Body Contouring Surgery: An Innovative Technique

Body contouring surgery after massive weight loss is becoming very common all over the world and more so in our part of world. The contouring procedures need an extensive preoperative planning and correct marking of the incisions and areas of resection. The marking fades sometimes after scrubbing the patient and use of tumescent fluids. Intraoperative precise marking can be done by use of sterile surgical markers (Figure 1). The scarcity of ink in these markers is frustrating and sometimes we need to open multiple markers, which is not cost effective. Another alternative is to use methylene blue with a Q-tip applicator. The marking by this method is not precise. We have been using Sharpie (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) colored permanent markers in a sterile pouch made from draping sheets. Circulating nurse decontaminates the outer surface of pen with an alcohol swab and cap of pen is removed.