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Heightened infection-control practices are associated with significantly lower infection rates in office-based Mohs

Julie E Martin1, Lark-Aeryn Speyer, Chrysalyne D Schmults

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.

Dermatologic Surgery : Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [Et Al.]
|August 12, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Implementing rigorous infection control significantly lowers infection rates in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). This study demonstrates that enhanced sterile practices can reduce post-operative infections in MMS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Infection Control

Background:

  • Infection rates for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) typically range from 1% to 3.5%.
  • Optimizing infection control protocols is crucial for patient safety in dermatologic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a heightened infection-control regimen on MMS outcomes.
  • To determine if infection rates can be further reduced in Mohs micrographic surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 832 patients undergoing 950 MMS procedures.
  • Comparison of infection rates before and after implementing enhanced sterile practices.
  • Sterility upgrade included jewelry restrictions, staff alcohol scrubs, sterile gloves/gowns, and sterile patient materials.

Main Results:

  • Pre-upgrade infection rate was 2.5% (9/365 tumors).
  • Post-upgrade infection rate decreased to 0.9% (5/585 tumors).
  • The reduction in infection rate was statistically significant (p=.04).

Conclusions:

  • Rigorous infection-control practices can significantly reduce infection rates in Mohs micrographic surgery.
  • Enhanced sterile techniques are effective in improving patient outcomes for MMS.
  • Further optimization of infection control is beneficial for dermatologic surgery procedures.

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