# Nasal Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Excision: Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes from a Retrospective Study

## TL;DR

This study evaluates the outcomes of nasal reconstruction after skin cancer surgery, focusing on both clinical results and patient-reported satisfaction.

## Contribution

The study provides real-world data on patient-reported outcomes and oncologic safety in nasal reconstruction after skin cancer excision.

## Key findings

- Flap-based reconstruction showed low recurrence and complication rates in elderly patients.
- Patient-perceived recurrence risk was higher than actual confirmed recurrence.
- Most patients reported high aesthetic satisfaction and minimal functional issues.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Nasal reconstruction after non-melanoma skin cancer excision remains challenging due to the need to restore both nasal form and function while ensuring oncologic safety. Beyond surgical success, patient-reported outcomes are increasingly recognized as essential components of postoperative evaluation. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess oncologic, surgical, and patient-reported outcomes in a real-world cohort of patients undergoing nasal reconstruction following skin cancer excision. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 60 patients treated at the University Hospital “G. Martino” (Messina, Italy) between 2019 and 2022. Reconstructive techniques included direct closure, full-thickness skin grafts, local or regional flaps. Oncologic outcomes and postoperative complications were recorded during routine follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using a semi-structured PROM-derived questionnaire adapted from the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module, NOSE, and SCaFF domains. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Basal cell carcinoma was the most frequent diagnosis (55%), and the nasal ala, dorsum, and tip were the most commonly involved subunits. Local flaps were performed in 42% of cases. No histologically confirmed recurrences were observed in the flap-reconstructed subgroup during the available follow-up, whereas recurrences were observed in patients managed with non-flap reconstructive approaches. Postoperative complications were uncommon; however, one fatal infectious event occurred in a high-risk patient undergoing complex reconstruction for recurrent disease. The PROM-derived questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.82). Functional symptoms were rare, with 93% of patients reporting no snoring or nasal obstruction and 97% reporting no nasal voice alteration. Aesthetic satisfaction was rated as satisfactory or very satisfactory by 63% of patients, and social relationships were not affected in 85%. Patient-perceived recurrence risk (38%) exceeded histologically confirmed recurrence (15%). Conclusions: In this elderly real-world cohort, flap-based nasal reconstruction was associated with generally favorable patient-centered outcomes and low complication rates. The discrepancy between patient-perceived and confirmed recurrence highlights the role of oncologic anxiety. Prospective studies using fully validated PROMs are warranted to support standardized outcome comparison and guide clinical decision-making.