Patient Concerns in the Immediate Postoperative Period After Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Abstract

Postoperative concerns after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) are not well characterized. To better define patient concerns and contributing characteristics in the immediate postoperative period after MMS. A standardized telephone encounter template was implemented to better assess patient concerns in the 24-hour postoperative period. A review was then performed of patients undergoing MMS from October 2016 to July 2017 to assess for the most common patient concerns and association with clinical characteristics. We included 307 patients. Overall, 60.6% of patients reported a concern. Fifty-four percent of patients reported pain. Most pain was characterized as "a little" (67.7%). On univariate analysis, flap repairs, location on the upper extremities, and swelling were associated with higher mean postoperative pain. Tumor type was not associated with increased pain. On multivariate analyses, patients with larger defects and associated edema were statistically significantly associated with higher degrees of pain. Over half of patients experience postoperative concerns after MMS, most commonly pain. The immediate postoperative period may be an optimal time to identify patient concerns allowing for reassurance or early intervention when necessary.