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A survey of Mohs surgery specialists in Australia showed diazepam was the preferred agent and felt to be the safest oral benzodiazepine for perioperative anxiolysis.

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BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a well-established technique for the removal of various types of skin cancers. While sterile gloves (SG) are commonly used in skin surgeries such as MMS, additional understanding of their effectiveness compared to nonsterile gloves (NSG) in preventing local infection is required. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the use of SG with NSG for local infection rate post-MMS and point out cost discrepancies between these 2 scenarios. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane for studies published up to August 2023 comparing the use of SG with NSG during MMS that reported the outcome of wound infection. RESULTS: A total of 4 studies with 10,644 MMS were included, of which 7512 (70.6%) were performed with SG and 3132 (29.4%) were done with NSG. In the SG group, 232 out of 7512 cases (3.1%) developed infection compared to 64 out of 3132 (2.0%) in the NSG group [odds ratio (OR) 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85-1.52; P = .39; I2 = 0%]. Therefore, the post-MMS infection rates were not significantly different between SG and NSG groups, including in the excision (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.48-1.79; P = .81; I2 = 0%) and reconstruction (OR 1.17; 95% CI 0.85-1.60; P = .34; I2 = 0%) subanalysis. Regarding the mean cost of the gloves, the NSG pair was $0.24, approximately 10% of the price of the SG pair ($2.27). CONCLUSION: The results support that, compared to SG, NSG are equally effective in preventing infections during MMS while offering significant cost savings without compromising patient outcomes.Protocol registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023458525.

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Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) and atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) are rare mesenchymal tumors that share similar clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical characteristics. Careful histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen that includes subcutaneous fat remains the preferred way to differentiate between these tumors. AFX is limited to dermal invasion, whereas PDS demonstrates deeper invasion. Moreover, PDS may present with tumor necrosis and high-grade histological findings, such as lymphovascular and perineural invasion, features absent in AFX. However, like PDS, AFX is a diagnosis of exclusion, and an exhaustive immunohistochemistry panel is recommended to distinguish these tumors from other spindled cell tumors in the differential diagnosis. The authors present the case of an 86-year-old man with biopsy-suspected AFX who was referred for Mohs micrographic surgery for tumor excision. During Mohs, the tumor was observed to have invaded deeply into the subcutaneous tissue and galeal aponeurosis, aligning more closely with a PDS. The diagnosis of PDS was confirmed using en face processing during Mohs surgery, which captured the intravascular involvement of a solitary vessel. Differentiating between PDS and AFX is important because PDS is a more aggressive tumor, with a higher rate of local recurrence and metastasis, and requires closer monitoring.

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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in adults, characterized by the accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes in the blood and bone marrow. Its incidence increases with age, typically affecting older adults, with a median age at diagnosis around 70 years. CLL prevalence varies geographically, with higher rates observed in Western countries compared to Asian populations. Despite advancements in treatment, CLL remains an incurable disease, often managed through monitoring and therapy to control symptoms and slow disease progression. The purpose of this case report is to highlight two unique incidents of previously undiagnosed CLL, incidentally found during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). One case features a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ and the other a basal cell carcinoma. We present these cases to highlight the importance of diagnostic vigilance during Mohs histopathological processing. Diagnosis of CLL is typically through routine complete blood panels. However, these cases present unique initial presentations that warrant careful detection in medical practice. Detecting CLL during the examination of pathology samples from MMS excision may not be common practice, but its presence emphasizes the significance of thorough patient evaluation during medical procedures. This unexpected finding underscores the importance of thorough pathology examination during surgical procedures, highlighting the potential for detecting concurrent or underlying systemic conditions. Early identification of CLL in this context allows for prompt intervention and comprehensive management, emphasizing the necessity of integrated care approaches in medical practice.

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BACKGROUND: Few studies show how dermatologic surgeons manage problems with site identification. OBJECTIVE: To estimate frequency and characterize management of skin cancer treated by surgery when the anatomic location of the tumor is in question. METHODS: Nationwide, prospective, multi-site cohort study. RESULTS: Among 17,076 cases at 22 centers, 98 (0.60%) were lesions in question (LIQ) for which site identification was initially uncertain, with these more often in patients who were male, older, and biopsied more than 30 days ago. Surgeons employed on average 5.0 (95% CI: 4.61-5.39) additional techniques to confirm the site location, with common approaches including: re-checking available documentation (90 lesions, 92%); performing an expanded physical examination (89 lesions, 91%); and asking the patient to point using a mirror (61 lesions, 62%). In 15%, photographs were requested from the biopsying provider, and also in 15%, frozen section biopsies were obtained. In 10%, the referring physician was contacted. Eventually, surgeons succeeded in definitively identifying 82% (80/98) of initially uncertain sites, with the remaining 18% (18/98) postponed. Most postponed surgeries were at non-facial sites. LIMITATIONS: Sites were academic centers. CONCLUSIONS: When the anatomic location of the tumor is uncertain, dermatologic surgeons use multiple methods to identify the site, and sometimes cases are postponed.

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Managing large nasal defects following Mohs surgery presents complex reconstructive challenges due to the nose's prominent and visible nature. These cases require a careful balance of preserving structural integrity, optimizing cosmetic outcomes, and maintaining vascular health. In situations where primary closure is impractical due to defect size and location, innovative techniques like the double rhomboid transposition flap offer versatile solutions, addressing both aesthetic concerns and functional requirements. The double rhomboid flap allows surgeons to achieve continuity of surrounding tissue, ensuring aesthetically pleasing texture, color, and thickness while minimizing complications like skin tension and potential airway issues. This case highlights the reconstructive challenges faced in managing large nasal defects following Mohs micrographic surgery for basal cell carcinoma. An 84-year-old male presented with a significant nasal defect following Mohs surgery that involved the dorsum, sidewall, tip, and ala, complicating primary closure due to skin tension and cosmetic concerns. Utilizing a double rhomboid transposition flap technique allowed for effective aesthetic and structural reconstruction, addressing skin tension and preserving nasal symmetry. This case emphasizes the importance of tailored reconstructive strategies to achieve optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes in complex nasal Mohs defects.

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BACKGROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a superficial sarcoma characterized by infiltrative growth with tentacle-like borders. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the preferred treatment option for DFSP. However, the imprecise boundary localization in MMS leads to an increased number of Mohs layers required and a longer surgery time. High-frequency ultrasound has excellent tissue recognition capability for DFSP, allowing for precise boundary marking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 14 cases of DFSP treated with MMS using preoperative ultrasound localization and three-dimensional reconstruction at Xiangya Hospital over the past 5 years. We also reviewed previous studies on MMS for DFSP treatment. RESULTS: It was found that the average number of Mohs layers for patients after preoperative ultrasound localization was 1.57, ranging from 1 to 3, which was less than the previously reported 1.86 layers, ranging from 1 to 12. This effectively reduced the number of Mohs layers required. CONCLUSIONS: By utilizing preoperative high-frequency ultrasound to determine the boundaries and depth of DFSP, the number of Mohs layers can be effectively reduced, leading to less workload for pathological examination, shorter operation time, and reduced surgical risks for patients. Ultrasound imaging data can be used for three-dimensional reconstruction, enabling less experienced Mohs surgeons to have a visual understanding of the morphology and extent of infiltration of the lesions. This aids in developing optimal surgical plans, smoothing the learning curve, and promoting the wider adoption of MMS.

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OBJECTIVE: Compared with standard excision with a two-dimensional histological examination, Mohs micrographic surgery offers a lower recurrence rate and a greater extent of healthy tissue sparing for the treatment of high-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The aims of this study were to first quantify the healthy tissue spared through the micrographic technique compared to traditional surgery for high-risk tumours. Then, to speculate, through the analysis of the distal micrographic resection margin, the adequate width of safety margins for standard excision. METHOD: A cohort of patients with high-risk BCC was treated with Mohs surgery. Safety margins, tumours residual final breach and hypothetical standard excision safety margins areas were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were included. A reduction of 27.96% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 17.90-38.02) of healthy skin removed was observed using a micrographic method compared to the standard approach. Standard excision with a 6mm safety margin was associated with 86.46% (95% CI: 79.62-93.30) of complete excision. Greater margins were not associated with a statistically significant improvement of complete excision. CONCLUSION: Mohs surgery should be considered the gold standard operative treatment for high-risk BCC. However, if micrographic techniques are not feasible, the standard excision with a predetermined margin of 6 mm, should be considered as the best option.

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Background There is scant data on basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in Indian patients. This retrospective study was conducted to explore epidemiology, risk factors, clinical and pathological aspects, and long-term treatment outcomes of BCC in a cohort of North Indian patients. Methods Data about patients registered in the dermatosurgery clinic between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2022 with a confirmed diagnosis of BCC was collected. Results Among the 83 patients, 56.6% were females, and the median age was 62 years (6-85 years). Most patients (81.9%) had a single BCC lesion, resulting in a total of 126 assessed lesions. The median size of BCC at presentation was 1.90 cm, with nodular BCC being the most common histopathological subtype (39.7%). Head and neck region involvement was observed in 82.5% of patients, with the malar region, nose, and periorbital region being the most commonly affected sites. Pigmentation was clinically evident in 45.2% of cases. Surgical excision was the primary treatment modality (71.1% of patients). The median follow-up duration was 40 months (6-57 months). Recurrence occurred in five patients, with a longer disease-free survival period observed in the surgically treated group (55.58 ± 0.98 months) compared to patients treated with medical or destructive therapies (43.6 ± 3.482 months) (p = 0.003). Conclusion The data from this hospital-based study indicated a slight predilection for females among North Indian patients with BCC, with most cases occurring during their seventh decade of life. The condition commonly occurred on sun-exposed areas such as the malar region and nose, with a high percentage of pigmented lesions. Recurrence following surgical excision was rare, and overall treatment outcomes were favourable.

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BACKGROUND: Residual tumor is not always clinically apparent following biopsy of cutaneous carcinomas, which may prompt patients to question the need for definitive treatment. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the percentage of cases in which residual tumor was histologically present at the time of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and investigated factors associated with residual tumor. METHODS: We examined 483 MMS cases performed for biopsy-proven BCC (n = 287) and SCC (n = 196) between October 2022 and April 2023. Single-stage MMS specimens were step-sectioned en face to exhaust the block. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were created. RESULTS: Residual tumor was identified in 83.3% of BCC and 66.8% of SCC at the time of MMS (P = .01). In patients clinically appearing tumor-free following biopsy, residual histologic tumor was identified in 68.2% of BCC and 41.5% of SCC. Residual tumor was significantly more likely in men (P = .04), high-risk sites (P = .002), smaller biopsy sizes (P = .0003), and larger preoperative sizes (P < .0001). LIMITATIONS: Single center, retrospective cohort. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with BCC and SCC have residual histologic tumor at the time of MMS, oftentimes even when tumor is not clinically apparent. Multiple factors impact the presence/absence of residual tumor.

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This case report describes the utility of artificial dermis in reconstruction for atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) after slow Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). A 34-year-old man presented as a slowly growing nodule from an atrophic scar on his right chest for over 10 years. The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of atrophic DFSP. Further magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 9.3 cm x 6.5 cm cutaneous-subcutaneous lesion with close contact with the pectoralis major muscle. The patient underwent a slow MMS, and we utilized a rotational flap in combination with synthetic xenogeneic artificial dermis to reconstruct the final 13 cm x 12 cm defect.

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Introduction: Store-and-forward telemedicine is a form of electronic transmission in which patient images or clinical information are transmitted to clinicians for asynchronous clinical decision making. This study evaluated the use, feasibility, savings, and patient satisfaction of postoperative store-and-forward wound checks following Mohs surgery. Methods: Select patients were asked to participate in a virtual postoperative wound check after receiving Mohs surgery. Participants sent photos of their wound site and subsequently completed an anonymous survey. Results: One hundred and ten patients were enrolled, mean age 68 (range 32-87). Patients saved an average of $14.16, 78.6 miles of travel, and 90 min of travel time. Ninety-eight percent of respondents felt their quality of care in teledermatology was "about the same" to "much better" than compared with traditional in-person care. Sixty-four of the respondents (90.1%) reported they would prefer their next Mohs wound check to be conducted through teledermatology. Conclusion: Store-and-forward telemedicine in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery is a safe, effective, and efficient method for postoperative wound care.

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