Predictive indicators for revisional surgery in nasal reconstruction after Mohs surgery

Abstract

Abstract Background Reconstruction of nasal lesions is complex due to the topography, mobile free margins and borders of anatomical subunits. Reconstructive challenges can lead to multiple revisional surgeries to achieve the final aesthetic result. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors and predictors of revisional surgery in patients undergoing reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery for nasal tumours. Methods This was a prospective cohort study from April 2, 2008 to February 26, 2019. The study population included all consecutive patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery for nasal skin cancer. Resection and reconstruction of nasal skin cancer was performed by the Mohs team. Results A total of 988 cases met our study inclusion criteria with 64 (6.5%) cases requiring unplanned surgical revision. Revision rates were highest in the ala (9.0%, p < 0.05) and complex anatomical subunits (16.7%, p < 0.0001). In contrast, revision rates for dorsum lesions were lowest (1.8%, p < 0.001). In terms of reconstructive modalities, local flaps resulted in significantly higher rates of revision when compared to grafts (relative risk, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.15–5.0; p < 0.01). In terms of histological diagnosis, squamous cell carcinoma had significantly higher revision rates when compared to basal cell carcinoma (p < 0.05). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the risk factors and predictors of revision surgery in patients undergoing MMS for nasal tumours. This study highlights that the reconstructive modality utilised affects the functional and cosmetic outcome of MMS. We note that ala complex subunit lesions, squamous cell carcinoma and flap reconstruction were associated with an increased risk of revision after Mohs reconstruction of nasal lesions. Level of evidence: Level III, risk/prognostic; therapeutic study. Trial registration number (Ref: PLA-19-20_A03) 04/02/2020.