Surgical Core Excision With Tongue Flap Closure in Combination With Electron Beam Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Ear Keloids

Abstract

BACKGROUND Ear keloids are disfiguring disorders resistant to various treatments. OBJECTIVE The authors aimed to assess the efficacy of surgical treatment of ear keloids in a Chinese population using a tongue flap with electron beam radiotherapy. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 41 patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University between January 2018 and May 2021. Core excision with a tongue flap was performed, followed by 3 days of electron beam radiotherapy and 3 to 6 months of pressure clip application. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to assess the results. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 28.10 years (9–61 years). Postoperative follow-up ranged from 5 to 32 months (mean:12.07). The patients underwent 3 days of postoperative radiotherapy followed by pressure clips for 2 to 6 months. Thirty-seven patients had no recurrence, whereas 4 had a mild recurrence (<3 mm in height) with redness and itchiness. The VSS and VASscores significantly decreased. (p < .05) CONCLUSION Excision with a tongue flap and radiotherapy can be used as the primary treatment for ear keloids considering the good outcome and long-term management.