Keloidectomy with core fillet flap and intralesional verapamil injection for recurrent earlobe keloids.

BACKGROUND: Earlobe keloids are usually recalcitrant to treatment and have a high rate of recurrence. Verapamil is a calcium channel antagonist that has been shown to inhibit the synthesis/secretion of extracellular matrix molecules and increase collagenase.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective study was designed to evaluate the results of treatment of recurrent earlobe keloids using keloidectomy with core fillet flap and intralesional verapamil injection.

METHODS: Nineteen keloids in 16 patients were treated using this technique with intralesional verapamil injection given intraoperatively, then every 2 weeks for 3 months, with postoperative follow-up for 18 months.

RESULTS: Fourteen patients completed the study. Ten patients (71.4%) showed response to treatment. Four (28.6%) cases showed recurrence, two (14.2%) at the wound bed and another two (14. 2%) at the incision line. Eighty percent of responders were highly satisfied with their treatment.

CONCLUSION: Keloidectomy with core fillet flap and intralesional verapamil injection is a reliable and cost-effective method in the treatment of recurrent earlobe keloids with a low rate of recurrence and high patient satisfaction.