Mohs' Micrographic Surgery in Canada: Current Pattern of Practice

Abstract

Background:

Nonmelanoma skin cancers are the commonest human malignancies. Mohs' micrographic surgery is an important treatment for difficult nonmelanoma skin cancers. Little data exist on the use of this technique in Canada.

Objective:

Our study was to document the modern practice pattern of Mohs' micrographic surgery, with an evaluation of the types of tumours treated and the disposition of patients following tumour excision.

Methods:

Data were collected prospectively on 410 patients who received Mohs' micrographie surgery for 464 skin cancers at the University of British Columbia.

Results:

Eighty-one percent of defects were dealt with immediately by the micrographie surgeon with local flaps, skin grafts, primary closure, or healing by secondary intention. Nineteen percent were referred out for repair. Almost all cases referred out had pre-arrangements for repair within 24 hours.

Conclusions:

In a modern micrographie surgery unit, most patients are managed as outpatients in one setting, and delayed reconstructions are uncommon. Using a multidisciplinary approach, patients requiring referral are usually repaired within 24 hours by a consultant surgeon who is already aware of the patient.