Efficacy of surgical resection and ultra-reduced tension suture combined with superficial radiation in keloid treatment

Abstract

BACKGROUND There are many available treatment options for keloid; however, single treatments are usually less effective. Therefore, more scientifically rational and effective combined treatment methods should be sought to solve the pain associated with keloids. AIM To explore the efficacy and safety of surgical resection and ultra-reduced tension suture combined with superficial radiation as keloid treatment. METHODS Fifteen keloid patients admitted to Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital from June 2020 to January 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. All patients underwent a comprehensive treatment approach comprising surgical resection, ultra-reduced tension suture incision, and superficial radiation therapy within 24 h postoperatively. The modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were used to evaluate the treatment effect, whereas the efficacy, adverse effects, and recurrence rate were observed according to the 12-mo follow-up after treatment. RESULTS The mVSS and POSAS scores at 1 and 6 mo after combination treatment decreased compared to before treatment (P < 0.001), and the overall response rate was 93.3%. Only one case recurred, yielding a 6.7% recurrence rate. The incidence of local chromour sedimentation rate in 1–3 mo after radiotherapy was 33.3% (5 patients), all subsiding after 6–9 mo, without complications, such as delayed wound healing or dermatitis. CONCLUSION Surgical resection, super subtraction sutures, and superficial radiotherapy are treatment methods with short courses, low recurrence rates, and good safety profiles.