Mohs Micrographic Surgery in a pediatric patient with Squamous Cell Carcinoma

An 11-year old boy presented with biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the left cheek. Pathology demonstrated moderate to well-differentiated SCC with positive deep and peripheral margins and no signs of definitive perineural invasion. Past medical history was significant for radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplant seven years prior for the treatment of a spinal embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes with no signs of recurrence. He never had any direct radiation therapy to the site of his SCC. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) was ultimately selected as the treatment of choice for his SCC. The main concern with MMS in this pediatric patient was regarding his tolerance for the long procedure with only local anesthesia. Therefore, modifications were made to decrease anxiety related to the procedure. Preoperatively, he was familiarized with the facility and the procedure room. Topical anesthetic cream was also applied one hour prior to the procedure. Perioperatively, he was provided a tablet for distraction and his mother was permitted to stay in the room for support. The patient underwent a successful two stage surgery with the final defect measuring 1.7 cm by 1.6 cm, located on the left cheek and inferior lower left eyelid. Primary linear closure was completed, and follow-up at 8 weeks showed a well-healed incisional scar without signs of recurrence. MMS is an effective treatment for cutaneous neoplasms that display high risk features including recurrence, aggression, poorly defined margins, growth in sensitive areas, or incomplete excision. Despite its frequent use in adults, MMS has not been widely adopted for the pediatric population due to lack of surgeon training and fears of patient tolerance. Several cases have demonstrated successful MMS in appropriate pediatric patients.1,2 The techniques used to optimize pediatric outcomes in MMS are similar to those in other surgical environments including sufficient preoperative preparation, perioperative distraction, and familial support.

Outcomes after perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with proximal femoral fractures: an international cohort study

Objectives Studies have demonstrated high rates of mortality in people with proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, but there is limited published data on the factors that influence mortality for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions. This study aims to report the 30-day mortality associated with perioperative infection of patients undergoing surgery for proximal femoral fractures and to examine the factors that influence mortality in a multivariate analysis. Setting Prospective, international, multicentre, observational cohort study. Participants Patients undergoing any operation for a proximal femoral fracture from 1 February to 30 April 2020 and with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection (either 7 days prior or 30-day postoperative). Primary outcome 30-day mortality. Multivariate modelling was performed to identify factors associated with 30-day mortality. Results This study reports included 1063 patients from 174 hospitals in 19 countries. Overall 30-day mortality was 29.4% (313/1063). In an adjusted model, 30-day mortality was associated with male gender (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.13, p80 years (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.31, p=0.013), preoperative diagnosis of dementia (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.16, p=0.005), kidney disease (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.55, p=0.005) and congestive heart failure (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.48, p=0.025). Mortality at 30 days was lower in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6 (0.42 to 0.85), p=0.004). There was no difference in mortality in patients with an increase to delay in surgery (p=0.220) or type of anaesthetic given (p=0.787). Conclusions Patients undergoing surgery for a proximal femoral fracture with a perioperative infection of SARS-CoV-2 have a high rate of mortality. This study would support the need for providing these patients with individualised medical and anaesthetic care, including medical optimisation before theatre. Careful preoperative counselling is needed for those with a proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, especially those in the highest risk groups. Trial registration number NCT0432364