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


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


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.
De Lorenzi
Francesca
F
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Tielemans
Hanneke J P
HJ
van der Hulst
René R W J
RR
Rhemrev
Rose
R
Nieman
Fred H M
FH
Lutgens
Ludy C H W
LC
Boeckx
Willy D
WD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001918:Brachytherapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007627:Keloid / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes