A Retrospective Assessment of Postoperative Bleeding Complications in Anticoagulated Patients Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery

BACKGROUND A significant number of patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for skin cancer are treated with oral anticoagulants. The incidence of postoperative complications associated with new classes of oral anticoagulants remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing MMS on both traditional oral anticoagulants and new novel oral anticoagulants. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-center retrospective chart review was performed for all patients treated with oral anticoagulants who underwent MMS between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2015 at University of California, San Diego. RESULTS The data from this study demonstrated that patients treated with a novel oral anticoagulant at the time of MMS had a statistically significant greater risk for developing postoperative hemorrhagic complications compared to patients treated with traditional oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSION Dermatologic surgeons should manage both traditional oral anticoagulants and novel oral anticoagulants in a similar manner. Future studies are warranted.