Effectiveness of Core Excision Technique for Keloids: A Systematic Review

Background: The keloid core excision technique mitigates the risk of wound tension and promotes favorable morphological outcomes. However, whether residual keloid tissue or other factors increase the risk of recurrence remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of core excision techniques for keloids. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Library databases on July 30, 2023. The search terms employed were “keloid,” “core excision,” “intralesional excision,” “intramarginal excision,” “rind flap,” and “fillet flap.” The inclusion criteria for the studies were established in advance and evaluated by multiple investigators. Results: Overall, 20 studies involving 926 keloid cases managed through core excision were included. Adjuvant therapies were used in 19 studies, with radiotherapies and steroid injections emerging as the predominant methods. The recurrence rates ranged from 0% to 28.6%. Residual scar tissue after core excision and complications, such as flap necrosis and hematoma, are the major factors contributing to recurrence. Conclusion: The core excision technique is a surgical treatment of keloids with a low recurrence rate when combined with adjuvant therapies. However, randomized controlled trials and conclusive quantitative studies are necessary to further investigate the effects of the core excision technique on keloids.