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. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to confirm the effectiveness of iridium brachytherapy combined with surgery and to evaluate patient satisfaction. PATIENTS AND 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.