Characteristics of Lower Extremity Infection Rates Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery

BACKGROUND Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common complication for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Lower extremity surgical sites are at an increased risk for developing SSI. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate lower extremity SSI rates post-MMS based on closure type and antibiotic usage. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all lower extremity MMS cases from 2011 to 2016 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Patient history, surgical details, and follow-up appointments were reviewed. RESULTS Six hundred twenty MMS lower extremity surgeries were eligible. Review identified an overall lower extremity SSI rate of 7.4%. Infection rates were significantly increased in wound closed by flaps/grafts (p < .001). Although wound size and preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis were initially associated with increased infection rate (p = .03, p = .015), the associations were fully attenuated when adjusting for closure type. CONCLUSION More complicated repair techniques (flap/graft) for larger wound sizes contribute to increased SSI risk among lower extremity MMS cases. Providers can use this information to guide antibiotic prophylaxis.