Rhombic Flap Reconstruction after Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Premalignant Lesions and Skin Cancer

Kim, Min Sung; Youn, Sang Ho; Na, Chan Ho; Shin, Bong Seok

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Recently, increasing attention in the field of dermatological surgery has been paid to treating skin cancers, including both premalignant and malignant lesions. The rhombic flap, one of the transposition flaps, is an outstanding method for reconstructing small- to medium-sized defects after skin surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate our clinical results with the rhombic flap for reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), including the cosmetic aspects, complete surgical excision, and recurrence.
METHODS
Between June 2010 and September 2013, 37 patients who were diagnosed with premalignant and malignant lesions on the face and extremities were treated with rhombic flaps for the reconstruction of primary cutaneous defects following lesion excisions. We reviewed the medical records and evaluated the clinical aspects and surgical treatment outcomes, and the cosmetic results were scored as excellent, good, fair, or poor. In addition, we assessed the surgical treatment outcomes using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS).
RESULTS
Thirty-seven patients received 37 rhombic flaps. The cosmetic results of the reconstructions were gratifying, and 28 of 37 patients (75.7%) showed good to excellent results. Specifically, the cosmetic results of the modified rhombic flaps were great, and 27 of 30 patients (90.0%) showed good to excellent results. The cosmetic results on the VSS showed a high mean score (2.9).
CONCLUSION
Our study showed that the rhombic flap is a simple reconstruction method and provides aesthetically pleasing results. Therefore, it could be a useful option for reconstructing defects of the face and extremities.