Is the treatment of keloid scars still a challenge in 2006?

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Several options are described to treat keloid scars, none of them being 100% successful. Radiotherapy is suggested to have the most significant effect on recurrence rate.

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of the study is to confirm the effectiveness of iridium brachytherapy combined with surgery and to evaluate patient satisfaction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We retrospectively enrolled 24 patients with 30 keloids, treated by surgical excision and iridium 192 high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy.

RESULTS:

We observed a significant difference in scar thickness before and after the treatment (P < 0.001). With regard to patient satisfaction and complaints, 79.1% of them had no pain and irritation after treatment, 79.2% of patients would recommend this treatment to other patients, and 87.5% would undergo this treatment again if necessary.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results confirm the effectiveness of surgical keloid excision followed by HDR brachytherapy in primary treatment or if other alternative methods have failed.

• Authors: Francesca De Lorenzi, Hanneke J P Tielemans, René R W J van der Hulst, Rose Rhemrev, Fred H M Nieman, Ludy C H W Lutgens, Willy D Boeckx
• Journal: Annals of plastic surgery (Ann Plast Surg) Vol. 58 Issue 2 Pg. 186-92 (Feb 2007) ISSN: 0148-7043 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17245147 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Iridium Radioisotopes

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Brachytherapy
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Iridium Radioisotopes (therapeutic use)
• Keloid (etiology, radiotherapy, surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radiotherapy Dosage