Dermatologic surgery in the demented patient.

BACKGROUND

Dementia is an organic mental disorder that is characterized by a general loss of intellectual abilities involving impairment of memory, judgment, and abstract thinking as well as changes in personality. Demented patients are a growing subgroup within the practice of dermatologic surgery and especially in Mohs surgery. These patients often have other medical and social concerns in addition to their dementia.

OBJECTIVE

Demented patients require specific knowledge of their problems to care for them properly, especially in cases in which prolonged procedures are required such as Mohs surgery.

METHODS

A review the literature is given regarding this subgroup of patients and how to best prepare and care for them before, during, and after dermatologic surgery.

RESULTS

Demented patients often have other medical concerns and therefore have associated medications, medical ailments, postsurgical care, and social and mental challenges.

CONCLUSION

The dermatologic surgeon needs to be aware of the special concerns of demented patients, especially in prolonged and potentially complicated surgeries. Not only do they have mental challenges, but they often have other medical and social challenges that need to be specifically accounted for before, during, and after dermatologic surgery.