Keloid Excision With Primary Closure Combined With Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT-100).

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Keloid treatment often involves surgery and radiotherapy to reduce recurrence.
• Radiotherapy side effects are a concern, making superficial radiation therapy (SRT) a potentially safer alternative due to its targeted skin approach.
• Previous studies suggest good outcomes with surgery and SRT for keloids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of keloid excision with primary closure followed by SRT in Taiwanese patients.
• To assess recurrence rates and scar improvement using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 12 patients with 16 keloids treated with excision and primary closure.
• Postoperative treatment included 2 or 3 fractions of SRT on days 0, 1, and 2.
• Data collected included preoperative and 2-month postoperative VSS scores, recurrence, and side effects.

Main Results:

• The mean VSS score significantly improved from 8.69 preoperatively to 3.56 at 2 months postoperatively.
• No keloid recurrence was observed in patients followed for over 6 months.
• The main side effect noted was hyperpigmentation of the surrounding skin.

Conclusions:

• Combining keloid excision with primary closure and postoperative SRT is an effective treatment strategy.
• This approach leads to good cosmetic outcomes with no recurrence and patient satisfaction.
• SRT offers a reduced risk of complications, such as hyperpigmentation, compared to traditional radiotherapy.