Korean J Dermatol.  2011 Jul;49(7):595-600.

Analysis of Operative Time in Mohs Microscopic Surgery: Single Institution Experience

• Mun JH
• Park HJ
• Kim SH
• Jung DS
• Ko HC
• Kim BS
• Kim MB
• Kim HS

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a precise method of treating skin cancer. There have been many studies about the advantages and disadvantages of MMS. However, no study has yet been carried out regarding the length of surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to report our experience with MMS for the treatment of skin cancers and to analyze the operative time of MMS.
METHODS
We analyzed 50 cases of skin cancers treated by MMS at the Dermatosurgery Clinic in Pusan National University Hospital between April 2009 and November 2009.
RESULTS
The minimum and maximum operative times of MMS were 88 and 356 minutes, respectively, and the mean operative time was 171.4 minutes. The mean number of stages was 1.7 (range, 1~4). The mean operative time per stage was 93.9, 62.9, 57.2, and 53 minutes for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stages, respectively. The time percentages for a pathologic consult to the Department of Pathology per stage was 42%, 50%, 52%, and 57% for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stages, respectively; therefore, the consultation to the Department of Pathology occupied a high percentage of the operative time. The mean operative time of repair for surgical defects was 44.4 minutes. LIMITATIONS: The results of this study are based on the experience of a single surgical team in a single institution.
CONCLUSION
The results of our study reveal that MMS is a time-consuming operation. Further studies are required to shorten the operation time of MMS.

Keyword

Mohs micrographic surgery; Operative time

MeSH Terms

Mohs Surgery
Operative Time
Skin Neoplasms