Comparison of Outcomes of Early vs Delayed Graft Reconstruction of Mohs Micrographic Surgery Defects

Reconstructing Mohs defects often requires grafting in the form of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) and composite grafts. These grafts can be complicated by a variable and often indeterminable survival rate. Other researchers have found that delaying FTSG reconstruction improves graft outcomes, but the optimal interval between excision and reconstruction remains unclear, and no study has examined the association between delaying composite graft reconstruction and graft survival.

To review the outcomes of Mohs micrographic surgery defect reconstruction using FTSG and composite grafts with respect to patient- and surgery-specific variables, particularly early vs delayed reconstruction.

This retrospective, single-institution cohort study assessed patients who underwent Mohs reconstructive surgery from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2018. No patients had to be excluded for inadequate follow-up or incomplete medical records. Delayed reconstruction was defined as greater than 6 days after Mohs excision, the third quartile of the interval to reconstruction among our cohort.

Primary outcome was postoperative complications, including hematoma, infection, dehiscence, epidermolysis, and partial or full graft loss.

A total of 320 defects were reconstructed with FTSG or composite grafts in 310 patients (median [range] age, 68 [21-96] years; 167 female [53.9%]) during the 6-year study period. The mean interval between the ablative and reconstructive operations was 4.73 days (range, 0-35 days). Univariate logistic regression was used to determine the significant indicators among patient and defect characteristics analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression model found delayed reconstruction to have a protective association (odds ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-0.97; P = .046) and male sex to have a harmful association (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.52-4.20; P < .001) with postoperative complications.

This study found that delaying reconstruction in FTSGs and composite grafts was associated with decreased rates of postoperative complications, and male sex was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. The findings suggest that this strategy can be considered in patients at increased risk for developing postoperative complications, such as current smokers, patients with large defects, and patients who require use of composite grafts.

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