Use of COX Inhibitors in Plastic Surgery Fibroproliferative Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Background/

Objectives

Fibroproliferative disorders (FPDs), such as Dupuytren's contracture, scleroderma, capsular contracture, rhinophyma, and keloid scars, are characterised by excessive fibroblast activity and collagen deposition. These conditions are frequently encountered in plastic and reconstructive surgery and remain therapeutically challenging. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have emerged as a potential adjunct therapy to modulate fibrotic pathways and improve clinical outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of COX inhibitors in the management of plastic-surgery-related FPDs. In doing so, it explores how phenotype-guided and route-specific COX-inhibitor use may contribute to precision, patient-centred care.

Methods

To identify eligible studies, a comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Data were synthesised using both tabular summaries and narrative analysis. The certainty of evidence was appraised according to the GRADE guidelines.

Results

Thirteen studies from 1984 to 2024 met inclusion criteria, addressing FPDs such as hypertrophic scarring, Dupuytren's contracture, and desmoid tumours, representing 491 patients. Of those, five studies were related to Dupuytren contracture, three studies were related to hypertrophic scar, and one study each was on topics related to scleroderma, keloid scar, osteogenesis imperfecta, actinic keloidalis nuchae/dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, and desmoid tumours. Nine studies reported clinical improvements (four demonstrating statistically significant outcomes), three showed no difference, and one did not assess outcomes. The thirteen studies show minor side effects from oral and topical COX inhibitors. The overall certainty of evidence was graded as "low."

Conclusions

COX inhibitors demonstrate promising efficacy with minimal adverse effects in the management of plastic-surgery-related FPDs. Their accessibility, safety, and potential to reduce fibrosis underscore the need for future high-quality, large-scale studies to establish definitive clinical recommendations.