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Published on: February 2, 2024
Characteristics of Lower Extremity Infection Rates Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Eva B Niklinska1, Alexander Hicks2, Lee Wheless2
1Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Eskind Family Biomedical Library and Learning Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
Background:
Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common complication for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Lower extremity surgical sites are at an increased risk for developing SSI.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate lower extremity SSI rates post-MMS based on closure type and antibiotic usage.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective review was performed of all lower extremity MMS cases from 2011 to 2016 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Patient history, surgical details, and follow-up appointments were reviewed.
Results:
Six hundred twenty MMS lower extremity surgeries were eligible. Review identified an overall lower extremity SSI rate of 7.4%. Infection rates were significantly increased in wound closed by flaps/grafts (p < .001). Although wound size and preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis were initially associated with increased infection rate (p = .03, p = .015), the associations were fully attenuated when adjusting for closure type.
Conclusion:
More complicated repair techniques (flap/graft) for larger wound sizes contribute to increased SSI risk among lower extremity MMS cases. Providers can use this information to guide antibiotic prophylaxis.
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