Opioid Prescribing Recommendations After Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Reconstruction: A Delphi Consensus.

BACKGROUND: Prescription opioids play a large role in the opioid epidemic. Even short-term prescriptions provided postoperatively can lead to dependence. OBJECTIVE: To provide opioid prescription recommendations after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and reconstruction. METHODS: This was a multi-institutional Delphi consensus study consisting of a panel of members of the American College of Mohs Surgery from various practice settings. Participants were first asked to describe scenarios in which they prescribe opioids at various frequencies. These scenarios then underwent 2 Delphi ratings rounds that aimed to identify situations in which opioid prescriptions should, or should not, be routinely prescribed. Consensus was set at ≥80% agreement. Prescription recommendations were then distributed to the panelists for feedback and approval. RESULTS: Twenty-three Mohs surgeons participated in the study. There was no scenario in which consensus was met to routinely provide an opioid prescription. However, there were several scenarios in which consensus were met to not routinely prescribe an opioid. CONCLUSION: Opioids should not be routinely prescribed to every patient undergoing MMS. Prescription recommendations for opioids after MMS and reconstruction may decrease the exposure to these drugs and help combat the opioid epidemic.

Assessing the Feasibility of an Alternative Payment Model for Mohs Micrographic Surgery at an Academic Center.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a cost-effective treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer that bundles costs for surgical excision, tissue processing, and histopathological interpretation. A comprehensive MMS bundle would include all aspects of an episode of care (EOC), including costs of reconstruction, preoperative, and postoperative care. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of an alternative payment model for MMS and reconstruction. METHODS: Retrospective chart review and payment analysis for 848 consecutive patients with 1,056 tumors treated with MMS. Average Medicare payment of an EOC was compared with bundles based on specific repair types. RESULTS: The bundle for a flap/graft repair averaged $1,028.08 (confidence interval [CI] 95% $951.37-1,104.79), whereas the bundle for a linear closure (LC) averaged $585.07 (CI 95% $558.75-611.38). The average bundle including all repairs was $730.05 (CI 95% $692.31-767.79), which was statistically significant from both the flap/graft and LC bundles. CONCLUSION: Bundling surgical repairs with MMS based on an average payment does not represent the heterogeneity of the care provided and results in either underpayment or overpayment for a substantial portion of cases. Consequently, EOC payments bundling MMS and surgical repairs would inaccurately reimburse physicians for work completed. Current payment methodology allows for accurate payment for this already cost-effective therapy.

1550-nm Nonablative Fractional Laser Versus 10,600-nm Ablative Fractional Laser in the Treatment of Surgical and Traumatic Scars: A Comparison Study on Efficacy and Treatment Regimen.

BACKGROUND: The appearance and symptoms of scars can cause significant distress to patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare efficacy of the 1,500-nm nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) and 10,600-nm ablative fractional laser (AFL) in reducing symptoms and improving the appearance of traumatic or surgical scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center prospective, randomized, blinded, split-scar study was conducted on 100 patients with a scar obtained through trauma or surgery. Three treatments of NAFL or AFL were administered to each half of the scar at 4-week intervals. Scars were self-rated by the patient using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and a satisfaction score and objectively evaluated by blinded dermatologists using the Manchester Scar Scale and visual analog scale. RESULTS: Blinded observers found no statistically significant difference in scar appearance. Patient rating showed improvement of scar appearance (p < .0001). Pain was worse after treatment with AFL (p = .0492). Overall, there was no statistically significant evidence of one laser being superior or inferior to the other for patient and blinded observer scores (p = .3173 and p = .2513, respectively). CONCLUSION: Scar treatment with AFL or NAFL is associated with high patient satisfaction. Objective evaluation of scars did not identify improvement in scar appearance.

Factors Associated With Patient-Initiated Communication After Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Despite extensive counseling, patients commonly call with postoperative concerns after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the incidence, reasons, and patient and surgical characteristics that lead to patient-initiated communication after MMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 1,531 patients who underwent MMS during the observational period was conducted. Demographics and perioperative characteristics of patients who initiated communication were compared with a random sample of matched controls. RESULTS: Of the 1,531 patients who underwent MMS, 263 patients (17.2%) initiated 412 communication encounters within 90 days of surgery. Top reasons for patient-initiated communication included wound concerns, bleeding, and postoperative pain. Female patients and those with a larger surgical defect size (cm) were more likely to call postoperatively. Patients who underwent second intention healing, grafts, and interpolation flaps were more likely to initiate communication compared to patients repaired with a linear closure. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the incidence, reasons, and patient and surgical factors predictive of patient-initiated communication after MMS, which may allow for targeted improvements in postoperative counseling, ameliorating patient anxiety, augmenting patient satisfaction, and improved efficiency for the health care team.

Chronic, severe onychocryptosis successfully treated with nail tube splinting in a 13-year-old girl with multiple prior failed matricectomies.

Onychocryptosis, also known as ingrown toenail, is caused by growth of the lateral edge of the nail into the nail fold. This results in inflammation of the invaded tissue. It is a common problem with ~70% of cases occurring in people between the ages of 12-30 years and causes significant discomfort, pain, and restriction in activity [1]. There is no standard treatment for onychocryptosis and numerous methods have been used, from conservative approaches such as proper nail trimming techniques to more invasive surgical procedures. All techniques risk the possibility of damage to the nail apparatus, prolonged healing time, and recurrence of disease.We describe a successful case of bilateral nail tube splinting in a pediatric patient with recurrent, severe onychocryptosis and history of multiple matricectomies.

Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of the scalp in an african-american male.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare adnexal neoplasm that typically presents in Caucasians. We report a rare case of MAC in a 68 year old African American male that presented as a large asymptomatic scalp mass. The clinical and histologic features of MAC are discussed. A summary of all reported cases of MAC in African American patients is presented, and treatment options are discussed.

Serum Sirolimus Level Elevation Induced by Acitretin: Report of a Novel Drug-Drug Interaction.

Long-term immunosuppression in the organ transplant recipient (OTR) population places these individuals at higher risk of developing skin malignancies. Oral retinoids have become a useful tool for pharmacologic prophylaxis in the OTR population. Immunosuppressants that inhibit mTOR, such as sirolimus, may be used in combination with a systemic retinoid for chemoprophylaxis of cutaneous malignancies. We present the case of a male patient status post second renal transplant who developed an abrupt and unexpected rise in sirolimus levels to supra-therapeutic levels after initiation of prophylactic acitretin for innumerable squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). The sirolimus levels returned to baseline after cessation of acitretin. Systemic drug-drug interactions are an important phenomenon, especially in the solid OTR population. It is postulated that this interaction was mediated by acitretin inhibition of CYP3A4, the primary enzyme responsible for sirolimus metabolism. The Drug Interaction Probability Scale (DIPS) indicates this was a "probable" drug-drug interaction. To date, this interaction has not been reported in the literature. This case accentuates the importance of close monitoring of solid OTRs for adverse medication interactions when multiple medications are taken.

Post-radiation atypical vascular proliferation on the head of a young woman: a diagnostic challenge.

With improved outcomes associated with radiotherapy (RT), post-irradiation tumors are increasingly seen in long-term cancer survivors. We report a case of a young woman who presented with a three-year history of a vascular lesion on the temple, previously irradiated for a childhood brain tumor. The history of radiation, the clinical appearance, and the biopsy findings of an atypical vascular proliferation in the dermis, were worrisome for a malignant vascular neoplasm and prompted surgical excision. However, further tissue analysis of the excised specimen confirmed a benign atypical vascular lesion (AVL) overlying a banal pilar cyst. Distinguishing post-radiation benign from malignant vascular lesions can be difficult because they share overlapping clinical and histopathologic features. Thus, any vascular lesion that occurs in a previously irradiated field should be excised completely with tumor-free margins and examined histologically.

Modified flap design for symmetric reconstruction of the apical triangle of the upper lip.

BACKGROUND: The apical triangle is the superior portion of the cutaneous upper lip lying between the medial cheek and alar margin. Defects involving this subunit are often repaired without taking into consideration the aesthetic implications of its potential loss or reduction. We present a simple option for repair of apical triangle defects to address this concern. METHODS: We collected a series of 69 patients with apical triangle defects treated from 2002 to 2008 with Mohs micrographic surgery. Their defects were reconstructed using various flaps (advancement, rotation, island pedicle, or M-plasty). A subset of 27 patients was identified who had undergone a standard cheek advancement flap or a modified flap. The modified design introduces an incision extending from the alar crease onto the nasal sill along the cutaneous upper lip, creating a second sliding flap to assist in recreating the apical triangle. RESULTS: A modified flap design introduced the ability to transfer adjacent tissue of the cutaneous upper lip to reconstruct the apical triangle subunit. CONCLUSION: This flap modification is a simple and efficient method of repairing peri-alar defects that restores the apical subunit, preserving facial symmetry.

Patient safety: Part II. Opportunities for improvement in patient safety.

UNLABELLED: The quality movement in medicine has prompted a shift from a "name, shame, blame" approach to medical errors to one in which each error is regarded as an opportunity to prevent future patient harm. This new culture of patient safety requires the involvement of all members of the health care team and learned skill sets related to quality improvement. A root cause analysis identifies the sources of medical errors, allowing system changes that reduce the risk. In large organizations, sentinel events and signals prompt chart reviews and reduce the reliance on voluntary reporting. Failure mode analysis prompts the development of safety nets in the case of a system failure. The second part of this two-part series on patient safety examines how the culture of patient safety is taught, how medical errors and threats to patient safety can be identified, and how engineering tools can be used to improve patient care. It also examines efforts to measure clinical effectiveness and outcomes in the practice of medicine. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completing this learning activity, participants should be able to improve patient safety through an understanding of both the beneficial and adverse consequences of quality reporting, apply safety engineering tools to the practice of dermatology, and be able to establish a quality improvement plan for a dermatologic practice.

Perioperative Antibiotic Use in Cutaneous Surgery.

Oral antibiotic prophylaxis is overly prescribed for procedures involving the integumentary system (skin, hair, nails, and related subcutaneous tissue) and mucosa. Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis preventing infective endocarditis or hematogenous prosthetic joint infection is recommended only when operating on infected or mucosal sites of select, high-risk patients. There are limited data supporting oral antibiotic use to prevent surgical site infections, and antibiotics are not recommended for routine use. Alternatives to oral antibiotics that may reduce infection risk, such as wound antisepsis, are sought. Altogether, risk stratification and antibiotic stewardship are both necessary for appropriate perioperative oral antibiotic use for dermatologic surgery.

Advances in management of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft-tissue tumor that most commonly presents on the trunk and extremities of adults. It is characterized by low metastatic potential and a favorable prognosis, but extensive subclinical growth can contribute to a high risk of local recurrence. Surgical excision is the first-line treatment, using Mohs micrographic surgery or wide local excision with careful evaluation of the peripheral and deep surgical margins. Adjuvant therapy may be beneficial in patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic DFSP. Historically, adjuvant radiation therapy has been used to reduce the risk of local recurrence when residual disease is present after surgery. The advent of targeted molecular therapies, such as the selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib mesylate, has provided new effective and safe options for adjuvant treatment of DFSP.

Using imatinib as neoadjuvant therapy in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: potential pluses and minuses.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon, low grade soft-tissue malignancy associated with a high risk for local recurrence and widespread subclinical extension. Imatinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been a beneficial adjuvant therapy in patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic DFSP. Because of its characteristic infiltrative growth, effective surgical excision of DFSP may be limited by the risk for disfigurement or functional impairment. In recent cases, neoadjuvant imatinib mesylate therapy has been shown to reduce preoperative tumor size and lessen surgical morbidity associated with the removal of residual DFSP. Use of neoadjuvant imatinib before surgery, however, requires appropriate patient selection and careful weighing of the potential risks and benefits of this treatment.