Dr. Shelley Sekula Gibbs is an experienced Mohs surgeon.

Dr. Sekula Gibbs is a board certified dermatologist who has practiced Mohs surgery in the Houston area for over 20 years.  As a member of the American Society for Mohs Surgery she adheres to high standards for using this highly successful technique.   Mohs surgery provides up to a 96%-98% cure rate for primary basal cell skin cancer.  And, by creating the smallest possible defect, Mohs surgery patients have an improved opportunity for an excellent cosmetic result.

What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized, highly effective technique for the removal of skin cancer. The procedure was developed in the 1950s by Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin, and is now practiced throughout the world. Mohs surgery differs from other skin cancer treatments in that it permits the immediate and complete microscopic examination of the removed cancerous tissue, so that all “roots” and extensions of the cancer can be eliminated. Due to the methodical manner in which tissue is removed and examined, Mohs surgery has been recognized as the skin cancer treatment with the highest reported cure rates and small defects allowing for optimal cosmetic results.

Special Qualifications of the Mohs Surgeon

Physicians performing Mohs surgery should have specialized skills in dermatology, dermatologic surgery, dermatopathology, and Mohs surgery. Basic and advanced training in Mohs surgery is available through selected residency programs, specialized fellowships, observational preceptorships, and intensive training courses. In addition, the Mohs surgeon must have the required surgical and laboratory facilities, and be supported by a well-trained Mohs nursing and histotechnological staff. Dr. Sekula Gibbs can provide you with detailed information regarding her training in the above disciplines, as well as all applicable professional affiliations. To learn more about the American Society for Mohs Surgery, visit their web site www.mohssurgery.org.

Advantages of the Mohs Surgical Procedure

Some skin cancers can be deceptively large – far more extensive under the skin than they appear to be from the surface. These cancers may have “roots” in the skin, or along blood vessels, nerves, or cartilage. Skin cancers that have recurred following previous treatment may send out extensions deep under the scar tissue that has formed at the site. Mohs surgery is specifically designed to remove these cancers by tracking and removing these cancerous “roots”. For this reason, prior to Mohs surgery it is impossible to predict precisely how much skin will have to be removed. The final surgical defect could be only slightly larger than the initial skin cancer, but occasionally the removal of the deep “roots” of a skin cancer results in a sizable defect. The patient should bear in mind, however, that Mohs surgery removes only the cancerous tissue, while the normal tissue is spared.

Special Indications for Mohs Surgery

It is important to note that Mohs surgery is not appropriate for the treatment of all skin cancers. Mohs micrographic surgery typically is reserved for those skin cancers that have recurred following previous treatment, or for cancers that are agressive or at high risk for recurrence. Mohs surgery also is indicated for cancers located in areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, lips, hairline, hands, feet, and genitals, in which maximal preservation of healthy tissue is critical for cosmetic or functional purposes.

The Mohs Surgical Procedure

Dr. Sekula Gibbs typically performs Mohs surgery as an outpatient procedure in the surgical suites of her Webster office (in the Clear Lake area). Although the patient is awake during the entire procedure, discomfort is usually minimal and no greater than it would be for more routine skin cancer surgeries. The Mohs surgical procedure is illustrated in the following diagrams.

Insurance Coverage for Mohs Surgery

Most insurance policies cover the costs of Mohs surgery and the reconstruction of the resultant surgical area. Please contact your insurance carrier directly for the most current payment information relative to this surgery. The insurance billing department in our office will be able to assist you.

Patient Preparation for Surgery

It is important that you obtain a good night’s rest and eat normally on the day of the surgery. If you are taking prescription medications, continue to take these unless otherwise directed by Dr. Sekula GIbbs. However, you should avoid taking aspirin-containing medications for ten days prior to your surgery. You also should avoid aspirin substitutes (such as Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, etc.) within seventy-two hours of surgery. If you are taking coumadin or other blood thinners, please discuss stopping it with Dr. Sekula Gibbs and your prescribing physician.  Tylenol, however, may be taken at any time prior to surgery. For your comfort, it is recommended that you wear casual, layered clothing on the day of your surgery. You may also wish to bring a light snack and a book or magazine to help occupy your waiting time. Also, it is highly recommended that you arrange for someone to drive you home following surgery.

Duration of Procedure

Most Mohs cases can be completed in three or fewer stages, requiring less than four hours. However, it is not possible to predict how extensive a cancer will be, as the extent of a skin cancer’s “roots” cannot be estimated in advance. Therefore, it is advisable to reserve the entire day for this surgical procedure, in case the removal of additional layers is required.

Minor Post-Surgical Discomfort Expected

Most patients do not complain of significant pain. If there is some discomfort, normally only Tylenol is required for relief. However, stronger pain medications are available and will be prescribed when needed. You may experience some bruising and swelling around the wound, especially if surgery is performed near the eye area.

Options for Post-Surgical Reconstruction

After the skin cancer has been removed, Dr. Sekula Gibbs will discuss the following options with you:

1. Allowing the wound to heal naturally, without the necessity of additional surgery (which may produce the best cosmetic result).
2. Simple or complex wound repair performed by the Mohs surgeon either on the day of surgery or a week after the surgery.
3. Referral to the original referring physician for wound repair.
4. Referral to another surgeon for wound repair.

If your wound requires daily care at home, you will be given detailed instructions following your surgery. For small post-surgical sites, direct closure by suturing the sides of the wound together may be possible. However, in certain areas of the body, there is very little tissue that can be stretched for coverage of a wound, and either a skin graft or skin flap must be used. In closing wounds with a skin flap, the skin adjacent to the surgical defect is partially cut free, and then rotated or moved forward to cover the surgical area. Stitches are then placed to hold the flap in its new position. This provides immediate coverage for the wound. Other areas may require a skin graft to provide coverage. Skin from the side of the neck, behind the ear, or over the collarbone may be cut free, placed over the wound, and then sewn into place. The original site of the graft is then closed with stitches or allowed to heal on its own.

Wound Healing, Scarring, and Scar Revision

As with all forms of surgery, a scar will remain after the skin cancer is removed and the surgical area has completely healed. Mohs micrographic surgery, however, will leave one of the smallest possible surgical defects and resultant scars. Often, wounds allowed to heal on their own result in scars that are barely noticeable. Even following extensive surgery, results are frequently quite acceptable. In addition, scars do have the ability, through the body’s own natural healing properties, to remodel and improve in appearance for a six to twelve month period. There are also many other techniques available to the patient for enhancement of the surgical area following skin cancer surgery. Depressed or indented scars may be elevated, using an implant such as collagen or hyaluronic acid. Likewise, a raised or roughened scar may be smoothed, using laser resurfacing or chemical peeling techniques. Skin flaps and grafts also may require a subsequent “touch up” procedure, to further improve their appearance.

Potential Complications Associated With Mohs Surgery

Patients should understand that there is not an absolute guarantee that any given procedure will be totally free of complications or adverse reactions. Mohs surgery is no exception. During surgery, tiny nerve endings are cut, which may produce a temporary or permanent numbness in and around the surgical area. If a large tumor is removed or extensive surgery is required, occasionally a nerve to muscles may be cut, resulting in temporary or permanent weakness in a portion of the face. This is, however, an unusual complication. The surgical area may remain tender for several weeks or months after surgery, especially if large amounts of tissue were removed. Rarely, some patients experience intermittent itching or shooting pain in the surgical area. In addition, the skin grafts and flaps used to cover surgical areas may not fully survive, requiring additional repair.