Couple of questions about drywall patching.
In one section of wall I had to take a Sawsall to a galvanized pipe - unfortunately it was snugged pretty tightly to the wall and consequently the sawsall penetrated the wall. Normally that wouldn't be a big deal, slap on some patch over the line cut by the sawsall and be done with it. However the Sawsall took out a good portion of the drywall backing so the hole is what is exposed, but surrounding the hole is mostly just drywall paper and paint. Should I cut out around the hole and replace that section or patch the hole and let the paint, paper, and remaining drywall take care of the rest? If I had to hang picture there or something I would replace no question, but that's not really on the docket for me.
Second question, is joint compound/mud perfectly acceptable to use as a dent/gouge repair for finished drywall - or is patching compound better.