New trends in skin tumor surgery

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatologic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Mohs micrographic surgery offers high cure rates for skin cancer but often results in defects requiring reconstruction.
• Effective collaboration between dermatologic surgeons and plastic surgeons is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the reconstructive techniques and outcomes for defects resulting from Mohs surgery.
• To highlight the importance of interdisciplinary coordination in managing complex skin cancer excisions.

Main Methods:

• Review of 1700 patients undergoing reconstruction after Mohs surgery over an 8-year period.
• Analysis of repair techniques, prioritizing simplicity and patient convenience.
• Illustration of specific reconstructive methods including direct closure, skin grafts, and various flap techniques.

Main Results:

• Most facial and extremity defects were repaired under local anesthesia.
• Algorithmic prioritization favored simpler repair techniques.
• Specific flap techniques like O-to-S, O-to-T, V-to-Y island advancement, nasolabial flaps, and forehead flaps were utilized for complex reconstructions.

Conclusions:

• A systematic approach to reconstruction following Mohs surgery, emphasizing preoperative coordination and technique selection, leads to excellent patient outcomes.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances patient convenience and reconstructive success in managing Mohs defects.