Introduction: Paediatric pre-auricular skin tags and simple polydactyly are traditionally associated with long surgical waiting times due to patient age limitations. This study evaluates a “see-and-treat” care model employing intraoral sucrose and local anaesthesia in a dedicated plastic surgery procedural suite aimed at reducing waiting times and achieving cost savings.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of procedures performed from 2024 to 2017 was conducted using hospital records. Patient demographics, treatment timeframes, and cost data were collected for paediatric pre-auricular skin tags and simple polydactyly. Patient caregivers were surveyed to ascertain their satisfaction with the "see-and-treat" model.
Results: A total of 50 elective and 11 “see-and-treat” procedures were performed for pre-auricular skin tags and simple polydactyly during the study period. The "see-and-treat" model significantly reduced the time from referral to surgery (19 days) compared to the traditional pathway (482 days). The average age at treatment completion was notably earlier with the "see-and-treat" model (38 days) compared to traditional methods (16 months). This approach also resulted in cost savings for the health system ($2428.56 vs. $3830.32 per patient).
Conclusion: Implementation of the novel "see-and-treat" care model for pre-auricular skin tag and simple polydactyly excision has significantly reduced waiting times for surgical intervention, leading to earlier treatment completion and reduced healthcare costs. This innovative approach enhances access and cost efficiency while remaining well-received by caregivers.