Abstract
Different treatment modalities have been applied for nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs)
of the head and neck area. One of the most important points after surgical treatment
is the selection of appropriate reconstruction methods. The aim of this study is to
investigate the efficacy and feasibility of the use of both defect size reduction
with sutures and secondary healing with delayed reconstruction with full-thickness
skin grafts in NMSC patients. In total, 18 (42.8%) male and 24 (57.2%) female patients
with NMSC were operated. Defect size was measured both after excision and just before
repair, and the approximate defect area was calculated with ImageJ software. Reconstruction
was performed after 14 days in all patients in the second session, using free skin
grafts. There were 18 (42.8%) male and 24 (57.2%) female patients. The mean age was
70.5 (45–82) years. The mean follow-up period was 40.3 (16–68) months. The mean defect
area measured after excision was 8.44 ± 1.91 cm2. After 14 days of delay, the mean defect area was 5.51 ± 1.28 cm2 (34.8% reduction) (p < 0.05). Defect-reduction methods applied during the first session, together with
proper interval prior to placement of graft, have been shown to be beneficial and
acceptable methods, providing an advantage in reconstruction with free skin graft.
Keywords
nonmelanoma skin cancers - defect size - defect reduction - full-thickness skin grafts
- ImageJ software
