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Evaluating Postoperative Outcomes of Mohs Surgery in the Elderly: A Retrospective Review of Large Repairs
Background:
As the geriatric population, defined by the National Institute on Aging as 65 years and older, continues to grow exponentially, understanding how age impacts the treatment of cutaneous malignancies has long been a mainstay in the practice of dermatology. Despite the known immunologic and morphologic deterioration of the skin barrier with time, few studies have assessed the role of advanced age in the outcomes of patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery and the associated extensive reconstruction of their cutaneous defect.
Objective:
To compare the complication rates of large flaps ≥30 cm2 and complex linear closures (CLC) ≥12.5 cm, between younger (18-64) and older (65+) age groups.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted on a cohort of patients presenting at our institution’s Mohs Micrographic Surgery Center for tumor removal from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022, and whose defects were repaired with large CLCs or flaps. Demographic data and outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Results:
For all assessed complications, including infection, hematoma formation, bleeding, dehiscence, and necrosis, we found similarly low and no significant differences in the postoperative rates when comparing younger (18-64 years) and older (≥65 years) age groups.
Conclusion:
Our data suggests that large CLC and flaps can be safely performed in elderly patients without a significant increase in complication rates.
Citation:
Pham VX, Nowsheen S, Eichstadt S, et al. Evaluating postoperative outcomes of Mohs surgery in the elderly: a retrospective review of large repairs. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(5):537-538. doi:10.36849/JDD.8489.
