Ethics code: IR . SEMUMS.REC.1399.327
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Clinical Research Development Unit, Kowsar Educational, Research and Therapeutic Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Abstract: (25 Views)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Skin cancer represents one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Surgical excision remains the treatment of choice for skin lesions. This study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction following surgical intervention with local flap reconstruction for head and neck skin cancer.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 152 patients presenting with skin cancer lesions in the head and neck region were enrolled. The anatomical location of the lesion and patient-reported satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome of the surgical procedure were documented.
Patient satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale checklist (excellent to dissatisfied). Surgical outcomes, including congruence of the surgical site with adjacent tissue, incidence of surgical complications, and necessity for reoperation due to involved margins, were assessed and recorded by the attending surgeon. Patients were followed for up to two years. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26) with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test. A P value of less than 0.05 was established as the threshold for statistical significance.
Results: The study included 152 patients (61.2% male, mean age 40.65 ± 11.38 years; women were significantly younger, P<0.001). Over 90% showed favorable graft integration. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common lesion, mainly on the nose, cheek, and lip. Patient satisfaction was high (90.8% good/very good); none were dissatisfied. Complication analysis showed significant age differences among groups (P < 0.05): patients with necrosis had the highest mean age, and patients with wound hematoma the lowest. Post-hoc analysis confirmed significantly higher age in the dehiscence and necrosis groups compared with the hematoma group (P=0.032 and P=0.004).
Conclusion: While the majority of patients expressed general satisfaction with the postoperative aesthetic results, certain social, demographic, and clinical factors independently predicted lower satisfaction with the aesthetic results. Specifically, lesion location, congruence with adjacent tissue, and surgical complications were significant determinants of decreased patient satisfaction following surgery.
Key words: Basal cell, Carcinoma, Local flap, Patient satisfaction, Plastic, Squamous cell carcinoma, Surgery
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
General Surgery Received: 2025/07/9 | Accepted: 2026/06/11 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/07/13