Analysis of Recurrent Cases of Keloids and Highly Hypertrophic Scars Treated with Postoperative Electron Beam Irradiation

Abstract

Between 1988 and 2008, we followed 375 regions from patients with keloids or highly hypertrophic scars who were treated with surgical removal and postoperative electron beam irradiation for over 8 months after their operations. A statistical analysis was performed and therapeutic outcomes were evaluated. The overall recurrence rate was 29.0%. The results of analyzing the therapeutic outcomes clarified that it is important to consider not only sites but also causes. On the basis of medical records, the recurrence rate was high in cases of 3-pointed suture and poor adaptation of the suture. When usig the techniques of surgical removal and postoperative electron beam irradiation, our data indi cate that it is important to reduce skin tension, stitch the deep dermal layer, and avoid the 3-pointed suture.