Reconstruction after Nasal Skin Cancer Resection: Nasal Obstruction and Associated Factors

Background: Equal attention must be given to nasal aesthetics and function when reconstructing nasal defects after skin cancer resection. Little data exist on functional nasal outcomes following nasal reconstruction. Learning/Study Objective: Describe and analyze factors contributing to functional outcomes following nasal skin cancer defect reconstruction. Design Type: Retrospective review. Methods: Patients who underwent reconstruction of Mohs nasal defects were included. Reconstruction methods included primary closure, skin grafts, and local and interpolated flaps. Both subjective reports and physician-noted exam findings suggestive of nasal obstruction were noted. The obstructive domain of the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS-O) was administered preoperatively and at follow-up intervals. Results: In total, 193 patients met the inclusion criteria. Female sex, medial or lateral ala primary defect subunit, and auricular cartilage use were associated with increased risk of postoperative nasal obstruction within the first year on multivariate analysis, while reconstruction with a skin/composite graft was associated with lower risk of obstruction. Average time from reconstructive surgery to first report of obstruction was 116 days, and time to reported resolution was 235 days. Conclusion: The incidence of nasal obstruction following nasal defect reconstruction is low. Female sex, ala involvement, and auricular cartilage may increase the risk of nasal obstruction postoperatively.