Retrospective study defines complication risks in retroauricular interpolated flaps post-Mohs surgery, suggesting key predictors for improved outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Stage-specific complication rates and risk factor data for retroauricular interpolated flaps (RIFs) remains unreported. OBJECTIVE: To define the complication profile of RIFs and identify patient- and procedure-specific predictors of overall complication risk. METHODS: 417 consecutive cases of RIFs to reconstruct Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) auricular defects from January 2006-March 2025 were identified from a prospectively managed, single-center database. The primary outcome was postoperative complication rate. Secondary outcomes compared complication rates following flap placement versus takedown and investigated risk factors associated with complications. RESULTS: in postoperative defect size was associated with a 6% increase in odds of complication. Cartilage grafts, intermediate stages, immunosuppression and antithrombotic use were not associated with increased odds of complication. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective, single-center study. CONCLUSION: Procedure stage, diabetes, and defect size are key predictors of complications in RIF repair and should guide risk reduction efforts to optimize surgical outcomes.
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Tran et al. (2026) studied this question.
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