Postoperative Complications After Interpolated Flap Repair for Mohs Defects of the Nose: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Dermatologists perform most interpolated flaps after skin cancer resection. Prospective, multicenter data on complications after interpolated flap repair in this setting are limited. OBJECTIVE To determine the rate of physician-reported complications after interpolated flap repair of the nose. METHODS Multicenter, prospective cohort study of 169 patients undergoing 2-stage interpolated flap repair of post-Mohs nasal defects. Frequency of bleeding, infection, dehiscence, necrosis, hospitalization, and death in the 30 days after flap placement and flap takedown are reported. RESULTS Patients experienced 23 complications after flap placement (13.61%) and 6 complications after flap takedown (3.55%) that were related to the surgical procedure. The most frequent complication after flap placement was bleeding (9, 5.33%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.83%–9.82%). The most frequent complication after flap takedown was infection (5, 2.96%, 95% CI: 1.27%–6.74%). There was one hospitalization related to an adverse reaction to antibiotics. There were no deaths. CONCLUSION Most complications after interpolated flap repair for post-Mohs defects of the nose are minor and are associated with flap placement. Interpolated flap repair for post-Mohs defects can be performed safely in the outpatient setting under local anesthesia.