Patient Satisfaction Following Primary Closure or Second Intention Healing After Conventional Nasal Skin Cancer Excision: A Cross-sectional Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Nasal reconstruction after conventional surgical excision (CSE) of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) can be challenging. After excision and before the pathologic report, a simple reconstruction is favored. Yet, little is known about patient satisfaction after primary closure and second intention healing. OBJECTIVE: Patient satisfaction after nasal defect reconstruction with primary closure or second intention healing, using the FACE-Q Skin Cancer. METHODS: All patients who underwent CSE of nasal NMSC with immediate primary closure or second intention healing between March 2018 and March 2020 at Máxima Medisch Centrum Veldhoven were identified and asked to complete the FACE-Q Skin Cancer. RESULTS: Of 183 patients, 140 patients completed the questionnaire. Fifty-five defects were closed by primary closure (38.5%) and 88 by second intention healing (61.5%). Thirty-one complications were reported (16.7%), of which 87.1% ( n = 27) after second intention healing ( p = .004). Both groups experienced high facial and scar satisfaction, low appearance-related distress, and no to minimal adverse effects. Second intention healing had 2.7 higher odds of achieving the maximum scar satisfaction score ( p = .02). CONCLUSION: This study shows high satisfaction on facial and scar appraisal, low appearance-related distress, and no to minimal adverse effects for second intention healing and primary closure after CSE of nasal NMSC.

Evaluating Predictors of Patient Satisfaction With Facial Appearance After Mohs Micrographic Surgery Using the FACE-Q.

BACKGROUND: Although patient satisfaction with reconstructive outcomes after facial skin cancer resection is an important consideration in Mohs surgery, there is limited information evaluating this concern using validated patient-reported outcome tools. OBJECTIVE: To characterize predictors that may be associated with increased postoperative patient satisfaction with facial appearance after Mohs surgery using the FACE-Q/Skin Cancer survey, a patient-reported outcome tool that has been validated in various studies. METHODS: A total of 202 patients who underwent Mohs surgery for facial skin cancer at the Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital between April 2017 and November 2021 were included after completing the postoperative Satisfaction with Facial Appearance scale (FACE-Q scale). RESULTS: Male patients were significantly more likely to have higher satisfaction scores compared with female patients (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.1). Increased preoperative facial satisfaction scores was directly correlated with increased postoperative facial satisfaction scores ( p < .01). Patients with tumors on the lower face/neck (aOR 3.88; 95% CI 1.4-10.7) had significantly greater satisfaction scores compared with those with tumors on their nose/nasolabial folds. CONCLUSION: Potential interventions and counseling methods can be tailored toward specific patient populations with lower satisfaction scores to increase their overall satisfaction with reconstructive outcomes.

State of the Evidence for Facial Skin Cancer Reconstruction.

This review provides a comprehensive presentation of the evidence available in facial reconstruction post-Mohs micrographic surgery. Given the large diversity in post-Mohs reconstruction, there are limited guidelines in the management of defects. The aim of the present work is to provide a review of the best evidence as it pertains to several considerations in facial reconstruction. Data suggests that Mohs micrographic surgery and many reconstructive procedures can be performed as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia, with narcotic pain medication only given in certain patient populations following a minority of reconstructive procedures. Perioperative and topical antibiotics are generally not indicated. Aspirin and warfarin can generally be continued for most reconstructive procedures, but clopidogrel and novel anticoagulants may predispose to increased bleeding complications. Delayed reconstruction appears to be safe, although data are discordant on this topic. No specific wound closure technique or suture choice appears to be consistently superior. Given the lack of robust comparative studies, consistent methodology, and variable defect sizes/locations, no robust evidence-based guidelines can be generated for reconstruction techniques of facial subsites.

Patient Education on Scarring Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Patient Preference for Information Delivery.

BACKGROUND: There are multiple modalities for patient education ranging from written to audiovisual formats. However, little is known regarding which modality is optimal. OBJECTIVE: To assess patient preference for educational materials about scar care following surgery for facial skin cancer using the FACE-Q Skin Cancer patient reported outcome measure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the day of Mohs surgery, patients were given a written handout or viewed a 3-minute animation video regarding best practices in scar improvement. Afterward, patients received the FACE-Q Skin Cancer-Satisfaction with Information: Appearance scale. Three months later, patients were called and given the same scale and additional questions regarding scar care. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were enrolled. There was no difference between the 2 groups' preoperative information scores (p = .85) and the three-month postoperative scores (p = .37). The change in preoperative and postoperative score showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (p = .21); but there was a trend of higher satisfaction in the video group on the day of Mohs surgery. After the 3-month timepoint, there was a higher satisfaction trend observed with the written handout group. CONCLUSION: Patient preferences in information delivery and accessibility will contribute to greater information retention and satisfaction.

Consistency in Distribution of Facial Skin Cancers Treated With Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has become the standard of treatment for skin malignancies of the head and neck. However, there is a paucity of literature describing facial distributions of MMS. Anatomical location of skin cancer is an important feature to study as it can affect prognosis as well as pathogenesis of skin cancers. This study aims to analyze consistency in head and neck MMS anatomical distributions and compare differences between multiple centers. The study retrospectively reviews 5871 MMS cases performed at a single center in Chevy Chase, Maryland from January 2014 through December 2019. Results show distributions of skin cancers on the face treated with MMS consistently occur at the same anatomical sites year after year with minimal variance. This knowledge of consistency provides a foundation for future studies because it allows for comparison. Comparing and contrasting data across multiple centers can elucidate regional characteristics that may impact the pathogenesis and distribution of facial skin tumors. Many regional or demographical factors may be important in the development of cutaneous malignancies. This information should be considered when assessing risk factors for cancerous skin lesions.J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(5):506-509. doi:10.36849/JDD.6143.

Versatilidad del «colgajo en isla tunelizado» para la reconstrucción de defectos faciales / Versatility of Tunneled Island Flaps for the Reconstruction of Facial Defects

Introducción y objetivos: El colgajo en isla tunelizado (CIT) supone una opción eficaz para la reparación de grandes defectos faciales trasponiendo piel desde una unidad anatómica adyacente. La realización del colgajo aporta buenos resultados estéticos y funcionales en un único tiempo quirúrgico, evitando así complicaciones. El procedimiento consiste en labrar una isla de piel de dimensiones similares a las del defecto original, para luego desplazarla a través de un túnel subcutáneo a la región receptora. Nuestro objetivo es ejemplificar su uso en diferentes regiones de la cara. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 12 casos con reconstrucción mediante CIT tras la extirpación de tumores malignos en distintas áreas faciales. Resultados: Presentamos una serie de 12 casos intervenidos de carcinoma basocelular, 9 mediante cirugía convencional y 3 mediante cirugía de Mohs. El estudio histológico mostró bordes quirúrgicos libres en todas las piezas de resección. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 25 meses sin detectarse recidivas tumorales. Las complicaciones fueron menores y temporales: efecto trampilla en 3 pacientes, hemorragia posquirúrgica en 2, necrosis superficial transitoria del colgajo en 2 y protrusión leve del pedículo en 2 casos. El resultado final cosmético y funcional fue satisfactorio en todos los casos. Conclusiones: Los CIT son especialmente útiles en defectos centrofaciales donde convergen distintas unidades anatómicas. Permiten la reconstrucción en un único tiempo quirúrgico de grandes defectos faciales, aportando piel de características similares a las de la zona receptora y alterando mínimamente la arquitectura facial (AU)

Background and objective: Tunneled island flaps that transfer skin from a site adjacent to the wound are an effective way to reconstruct defects. These flaps provide good aesthetic and functional results and can be completed during a single surgical session, thus reducing complications. The procedure consists of taking an island of skin about the size of the surgical defect and moving it through a subcutaneous tunnel to cover the wound. We aimed to exemplify the use of these flaps in different regions of the face. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of 12 cases in which tunneled island flaps were used after removal of malignant tumors in different facial regions. Results: The tumors, all of which were basal cell carcinomas, were removed by means of conventional surgery from 9 patients and Mohs micrographic surgery from 3 patients. Histology demonstrated tumor-free margins after excision in all cases. None of the tumors recurred during a mean follow-up period of 25 months. All complications were minor and transient. There were 3 cases of trapdoor effect and 2 each of postsurgical bleeding, transient superficial flap necrosis, and slight protrusion of the pedicle. The final cosmetic and functional outcome was satisfactory in all cases. Conclusions: Tunneled island flaps are particularly useful for repairing defects in the center of the face, where several anatomical structures converge. These flaps, which use donor skin that is similar to skin in the receptor site, can be used to close large defects in one-step procedures with only slight alteration of the facial architecture (AU)

[Translated article] Versatility of Tunneled Island Flaps for the Reconstruction of Facial Defects / Versatilidad del «colgajo en isla tunelizado» para la reconstrucción de defectos faciales

Background and objective: Tunneled island flaps that transfer skin from a site adjacent to the wound are an effective way to reconstruct defects. These flaps provide good aesthetic and functional results and can be completed during a single surgical session, thus reducing complications. The procedure consists of taking an island of skin about the size of the surgical defect and moving it through a subcutaneous tunnel to cover the wound. We aimed to exemplify the use of these flaps in different regions of the face. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of 12 cases in which tunneled island flaps were used after removal of malignant tumors in different facial regions. Results: The tumors, all of which were basal cell carcinomas, were removed by means of conventional surgery from 9 patients and Mohs micrographic surgery from 3 patients. Histology demonstrated tumor-free margins after excision in all cases. None of the tumors recurred during a mean follow-up period of 25 months. All complications were minor and transient. There were 3 cases of trapdoor effect and 2 each of postsurgical bleeding, transient superficial flap necrosis, and slight protrusion of the pedicle. The final cosmetic and functional outcome was satisfactory in all cases. Conclusions: Tunneled island flaps are particularly useful for repairing defects in the center of the face, where several anatomical structures converge. These flaps, which use donor skin that is similar to skin in the receptor site, can be used to close large defects in one-step procedures with only slight alteration of the facial architecture (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: El colgajo en isla tunelizado (CIT) supone una opción eficaz para la reparación de grandes defectos faciales trasponiendo piel desde una unidad anatómica adyacente. La realización del colgajo aporta buenos resultados estéticos y funcionales en un único tiempo quirúrgico, evitando así complicaciones. El procedimiento consiste en labrar una isla de piel de dimensiones similares a las del defecto original, para luego desplazarla a través de un túnel subcutáneo a la región receptora. Nuestro objetivo es ejemplificar su uso en diferentes regiones de la cara. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 12 casos con reconstrucción mediante CIT tras la extirpación de tumores malignos en distintas áreas faciales. Resultados: Presentamos una serie de 12 casos intervenidos de carcinoma basocelular, 9 mediante cirugía convencional y 3 mediante cirugía de Mohs. El estudio histológico mostró bordes quirúrgicos libres en todas las piezas de resección. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 25 meses sin detectarse recidivas tumorales. Las complicaciones fueron menores y temporales: efecto trampilla en 3 pacientes, hemorragia posquirúrgica en 2, necrosis superficial transitoria del colgajo en 2 y protrusión leve del pedículo en 2 casos. El resultado final cosmético y funcional fue satisfactorio en todos los casos. Conclusiones: Los CIT son especialmente útiles en defectos centrofaciales donde convergen distintas unidades anatómicas. Permiten la reconstrucción en un único tiempo quirúrgico de grandes defectos faciales, aportando piel de características similares a las de la zona receptora y alterando mínimamente la arquitectura facial (AU)

Construct validity of the anglicised FACE-Q skin cancer module.

OBJECTIVES: The FACE-Q Skin Cancer module is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for facial skin cancer. It has been anglicised for the UK population and undergone psychometric testing using classical test theory. In this study, further evaluation of construct validity using Rasch measurement theory and hypothesis testing was performed. METHODS: Patients were prospectively recruited to the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures In Skin Cancer Reconstruction (PROMISCR) study and asked to complete the anglicised FACE-Q Skin Cancer module. The scalability and unidimensionality of the data were assessed with a Mokken analysis prior to Rasch analysis. Response thresholds, targeting, fit statistics, local dependency, and internal consistency were examined for all items and subscales. Four a priori hypotheses were tested to evaluate the convergent and divergent validity. We additionally hypothesised that the median 'cancer worry' score would be lower in post-operative than pre-operative patients. RESULTS: 239 patients self-completed the questionnaire between August 2017 and May 2019. Of the ten subscales assessed, five showed relative fit to the Rasch model. Unidimensionality was present for all five subscales, with most demonstrating ordered item thresholds and appropriate fit statistics. Two items in the 'cancer worry' subscale had either disordered or very close response thresholds. Subscales of the FACE-Q Skin Cancer module demonstrated convergent and divergent validity with relevant Skin Cancer Index comparators (p < 0.001). Median 'cancer worry' was lower in post-operative patients (44 vs 39, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The anglicised FACE-Q Skin Cancer module shows psychometric validity through hypothesis testing, and both classical and modern test theory.

Inferiorly Based Rotation Flaps for Infraorbital Cheek Defects.

BACKGROUND: The infraorbital cheek is a common location for cutaneous malignancy and thus surgical defects. Reconstruction in this region must maintain nearby free margins to ensure optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes. Large defects may require a flap using lateral or inferior tissue reservoirs. OBJECTIVE: To examine outcomes of inferiorly based rotation flaps in the repair of infraorbital cheek defects and highlight pearls for optimal long-term results. METHODS: Chart review of patients with a defect of the infraorbital cheek repaired with an inferiorly based rotation flap between February 2010 and December 2018 at a single academic institution. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for scar assessment. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients underwent extirpation of a cutaneous malignancy resulting in defects ranging from 1.0 × 1.0 to 4.5 × 5.5 cm (mean area = 4.8 cm2). Most of the patients did not experience complications. Ectropion occurred in 7 patients. The mean VAS score was 11.6. CONCLUSION: An inferiorly based rotation flap yields acceptable outcomes for infraorbital cheek defects and can be considered for defects as large as 5.5 cm. Using pearls for surgical execution presented in this article may allow reconstructive surgeons to include this flap in their repertoire.

Mohs micrographic surgery for cutaneous malignancy of the hand & upper limb - Raising awareness of its applications and advantages.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is primarily recognised for use in facial tumours, however it should also be considered to aid excision of tumours of the hand, where preservation of tissue and maintenance of function are key factors. Mohs surgery can serve to facilitate decision making both by the patient and surgeon. This can be particularly helpful when proposing more extensive surgery, or prior to complex reconstruction where confirmation of tumour clearance is paramount. We use case examples with medical images to illustrate the advantages of MMS over conventional excision. The establishment of an MMS hand service, delivered by a surgeon with specialist upper limb resection and reconstructive expertise, has allowed our unit to provide optimal treatment, governance, and outcomes for this group of patients.