Intralesional Cryosurgery for Resistant Ear Keloids: Clinical Efficacy and Patient Experience

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Oncology
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Keloids are challenging fibrotic scars, particularly those on the ear, often resistant to conventional treatments.
• Recurrence is common, necessitating exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies.
• Intralesional (IL) cryosurgery presents a targeted approach for tissue necrosis with potentially reduced epidermal damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and tolerability of intralesional cryosurgery for ear keloids.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction with IL cryosurgery in managing refractory ear keloids.
• To determine the recurrence rate of ear keloids treated with IL cryosurgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 37 patients with 49 resistant ear keloids previously treated unsuccessfully.
• Intralesional cryosurgery administered up to 4 sessions or until ≥80% keloid size reduction.
• Assessment via standardized digital images, patient satisfaction Likert scales, and ≥6-month follow-up for recurrence.

Main Results:

• Significant keloid size reduction (≥50%) in 94.0% of lesions; ≥80% reduction in 63.3%.
• Low recurrence rate of 6.1% observed over a 6-month follow-up period.
• High patient satisfaction reported for overall outcome, size reduction, symptom relief, and comfort.

Conclusions:

• Intralesional cryosurgery demonstrates significant efficacy and safety for treating resistant ear keloids.
• The procedure is well-tolerated by patients, with high satisfaction levels.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the long-term effectiveness of IL cryosurgery for ear keloids.