Frequency of keloid recurrence post-surgical excision and radiation therapy on a 2-year follow-up: A single center cohort study

Authors

Ceemal Khan, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Nida Zahid, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Fizzah Arif, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Asim Hafiz, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Muhammad Fazli. Rehman, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Omair Shaikh, Aga Khan University

Document Type

Article

Department

Surgery; Radiation Oncology

Abstract

Background: Keloids are elevated, painful scars that extend beyond the original wound's boundaries and can cause significant emotional distress for patients. While combining surgical excision with radiation therapy has shown potential in treating these scars, its effectiveness in local populations remains unclear.
Methods and methodology: The study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2019 in the Plastic Surgery Department at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Twenty-five patients who were treated at the hospital were recruited, while 17 out of 25 fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected. Patients were treated according to a defined treatment protocol and evaluated after a 2-year follow-up. A survey questionnaire was administered after obtaining consent from the patients via telephonic interviews at a 2-year follow-up.
Result: Out of 25 patients, 17 (68%) met eligibility criteria, eight (32%) were excluded due to lack of follow-up. The patients that presented with keloids, were seven (41%) males and 10 (59%) females. Six (35%) had a family history of keloids. Etiological factors included injury/trauma (n=9, 53%), spontaneous growth (n=6, 35%), and wound site growth (n=2, 12%). Recurrence post-surgery and radiation therapy occurred in 11 (65%) cases, while seven (35%) remained recurrence-free over 24 months. Recurrence frequency was noted in six (55%) patients within six months, three (27%) within 12 months, and two (18%) within 24 months.
Conclusion: Keloid management is a complex field requiring ongoing research to optimize treatment strategies, reduce recurrence rates, and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based protocols in the Pakistani population.

Comments

Issue and pagination are not provided by author/publisher.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Scars, Burns & Healing

DOI

10.1177/20595131251321766

Recommended Citation

Khan, C., Zahid, N., Arif, F., Hafiz, A., Rehman, M. F., Shaikh, O. (2025). Frequency of keloid recurrence post-surgical excision and radiation therapy on a 2-year follow-up: A single center cohort study. Scars, Burns & Healing, 11.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_surg_surg/948