title: Keloidectomy with core fillet flap and intralesional verapamil injection for recurrent earlobe keloids.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Earlobe keloids are usually recalcitrant to treatment and have a high rate of recurrence. Verapamil is a calcium channel antagonist that has been shown to inhibit the synthesis/secretion of extracellular matrix molecules and increase collagenase.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This prospective study was designed to evaluate the results of treatment of recurrent earlobe keloids using keloidectomy with core fillet flap and intralesional verapamil injection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen keloids in 16 patients were treated using this technique with intralesional verapamil injection given intraoperatively, then every 2 weeks for 3 months, with postoperative follow-up for 18 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen patients completed the study. Ten patients (71.4%) showed response to treatment. Four (28.6%) cases showed recurrence, two (14.2%) at the wound bed and another two (14. 2%) at the incision line. Eighty percent of responders were highly satisfied with their treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Keloidectomy with core fillet flap and intralesional verapamil injection is a reliable and cost-effective method in the treatment of recurrent earlobe keloids with a low rate of recurrence and high patient satisfaction.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
authors: Mohammed Fawzy
authors: MF
authors: El-Kamel
authors: Department of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
authors: Mohamed K
authors: MK
authors: Selim
authors: Department of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
authors: Moheiddin F
authors: MF
authors: Alghobary
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional / Q000379:methods*; D007627:Keloid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014700:Verapamil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014700:Verapamil