Background: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a widely used technique for removal of cutaneous tumors. The procedure is well-tolerated with little surgical or postoperative pain.
Objective: This study examined pain levels after Mohs surgery throughout the first week of recovery and the relation to patient demographics, lesion characteristics, surgery details, and postoperative analgesia.
Methods: A 2-year prospective observational study included patients who underwent MMS. Patients rated the severity of postoperative pain once daily until removal of sutures and documented analgesics used. Analyses of patient and lesion characteristics along with reconstruction methods were conducted.
Results: A total of 2,178 patients were included in the study. Pain levels were strongest on the first postoperative day (POD) and were significantly different between genders on POD 3. Site of skin lesion, method of reconstruction, and number of stages of MMS were significantly related to postoperative pain levels on univariate and multivariate analyses. Postoperative consumption of analgesics differed significantly between men and women and was not correlated to age.
Conclusion: Mohs surgery is generally nonpainful and is well-tolerated by men and women across all ages. The site of the lesion and method of reconstruction are the major determinants affecting the perception of pain.
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