Razor blade surgery: Use of the Castroviejo blade breaker and holder

BACKGROUND. To remove skin lesions, many dermatologists use the razor blade which may be manipulated with or without the aid of an instrument. However , the techniques previously described employ the use of an entire razor bla de. OBJECTIVE. To outline a technique that is easily performed with better cont rol of the blade and with more precise cutting than by holding the blade by hand. This report reviews the merits of razor blade use in cutaneous surge ry as well as the advantages of using the Castroviejo razor blade breaker. METHODS. The method for cutting double-edged razor blades and holding the s ections with a Castroviejo blade breaker is described as well as a basic gu ide for selecting blade size for performing shave biopsies and shave excisi ons. CONCLUSIONS. Using the Castroviejo razor blade breaker and holder with cut razor blades is safe and allows better control and more precise cutting tha n using a complete double-edged blade alone.