Complications of mohs micrographic surgery

Abstract

The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer is increasing rapidly in the United States. The rapid rise in the number of cases of NMSC has lead to an increasing demand for Mohs micrographic surgery. Along with this dramatic rise in the number of procedures being performed comes the risk of increased complications. However, with careful planning, good judgment, and proper techniques the risk of complications can be minimized. The primary goal of this chapter is to review the current recommendations and evidence for the prevention of the common complications in the setting of Mohs surgery. More serious, but thankfully rare, complications, as well as several recently described complications will also be reviewed.