Wound closure after Mohs micrographic surgery

Eighty percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are located in the head and neck area. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a highly effective treatment for tumors with unfavorable characteristics. There are many closure techniques available to close a Mohs defect. The medical records of all patients diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancers of the head and neck who were treated with MMS in the department of dermatology at the Erasmus Medical Centre between 2006 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Anatomic site and the frequencies of use of various closure techniques were investigated. The anatomical location of the Mohs defect is of great importance for the choice of wound closure. An algorithm was created as guidebook for closure types based on anatomic site and defect size. We evaluated closure trends during 2006-2009. In general, primary closure was the most common repair method chosen, followed by the use of full thickness skin grafts and second intent healing.