Failure of Nasal Defect Closures Following the Use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Yelena Dokic1, Emily Powell2, John Kohorst3

  • 1Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.

Cureus
|April 17, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Nasal tip necrosis occurred in three patients after Mohs surgery when using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for sleep apnea. This case series highlights a potential complication of combining these treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a precise technique for skin cancer removal.
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is common for treating sleep apnea.

Observation:

  • Three patients developed nasal tip necrosis after undergoing MMS.
  • These patients were concurrently using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea management.

Findings:

  • The combination of MMS and CPAP therapy may increase the risk of nasal tip necrosis.
  • Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanism of this complication.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication when patients undergo MMS and use CPAP.
  • Consideration of alternative sleep apnea management or modified surgical approaches may be warranted.

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