Mohs Micrographic Surgery Preoperative Information
Your surgery will be performed in our clinic at 12910 Pierce Street, Suite 120, Omaha, NE 68144.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a type of targeted therapy treatment recommended to kill cancerous cells and give the highest possible cure rate for skin cancer. Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in the office. Dr. Frederick Mohs developed this technique in the 1930s, and it is now used widely for common types of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
While Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat skin cancer in certain basal and squamous cell skin cancers it is also used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma. Side effects of Mohs surgery include pain or tenderness, and occasional bleeding. Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands Mohs surgeons and Omaha dermatologists, Mathew Davey, M.D. FAAD and James Shehan, M.D. FAAD, are both members of The American Society for Mohs Surgery.
Mohs Surgery to Remove Skin Cancer
At the time of the surgery, our board-certified dermatologists use local anesthesia to numb the area (skin) completely, just as was done with the initial biopsy. The surgeon then removes a section of the skin including the visible cancer and a thin rim of normal/healthy tissue. The section of skin is then taken down the hall to our CLIA-certified Mohs laboratory, where it is frozen (cryo-stat), cut into microscopic-thin sections, stained, and then examined under the microscope by the dermatologist to determine if all of the cancer has been removed.
If any remaining skin cancer is noted under the microscope, the dermatologist can pinpoint exactly where the involved portion is, and the process above is repeated until the entire area is deemed cancer-free. Following that, your dermatologist will discuss the best treatment options to close the area of skin- in many cases this closure will be performed the same day.
Reserve the entire day for this surgery, because the final size and extent of the skin to be removed to clear you of the cancer cannot be predicted in advance. After your Mohs surgery is completed, we will review care for the area with you and schedule your post-operative visit. You will leave the office with a bandage in place over the surgery area.
If any of the following apply to you, please notify our office on the day of surgery (if you did not already discuss them with the nursing staff when you scheduled the procedure):
- If you take Coumadin (warfarin), please call our office with the most recent PT/INR levels immediately.
- Have an artificial joint, artificial heart valve, any other implanted electrical devices in your body or have been told by another doctor to take antibiotics prior to dental or surgical procedures, please contact our office immediately.
Plan on being in the office for at least 3 to 4 hours for the procedure, processing, and testing.
We encourage you to bring a book or some magazines to read as well as a snack/drink. Also, we encourage you to bring a family member or friend with you on the day of the procedure for your supportive care. Wash your hair and face the night before and morning of the surgery. Do not wear any make-up, hair products (spray, gel, etc.), or hair pieces to the surgery. A hat may be worn but will need to be removed during the procedure. Wear an old, clean shirt, but do not wear any jewelry. Consider bringing an old, clean blanket or jacket to the office. Unless otherwise directed, take all of your normal medications and feel free to eat breakfast the morning of your procedure.
If you need to change or reschedule your procedure date, please call the dermatologist’s nursing staff as soon as possible.
Mohs Surgery Omaha, NE – Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands
For any questions, please feel free to contact the office. Also, please feel free to ask any questions before, during, and after your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon. Ask about free skin cancer screening in Omaha, NE provided by Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands.
