Outcome of Surgical Excision of Cervico Facial Lymphatic Malformations in Children: a Prospective Study

Introduction: Surgical treatment of lymphatic malformations (LMs) in the cervicofacial area is challenging for surgeons because of their poorly defined borders and the potential for damaging neighboring structures. The aim of the study: was to evaluate the outcome of surgical treatment of cervicofacial LMs in children to improve preoperative counseling. Methods: A prospective study included cases with LMs in the cervicofacial area that had been treated in the Maxillfacial/Head and Neck Surgical Unit, Sohag University Hospitals, Egypt, in the period from June 2002 to May 2011. All cases were treated with surgical excision as a primary treatment modality and were evaluated for recurrence and complications. Cases were followed for a period from 8 to 69 months (mean of 28 ± 13 months). Results: Recurrence and overall complications occurred in 4 (9%) and 11 (25.5%) cases, respectively. Satisfaction was described as excellent or good by 41 (93%) parents of the cases. Permanent nerve weakness was not encountered. Recurrence was higher in cases with age group < 2 years, when the lesion located in or close to the area of the facial nerve and/or the suprahyoid region, and in the microcystic and mixed types (P = 0.001). Overall rate of complications was higher, when the lesion located in or close to the area of the facial nerve and/or the suprahyoid region (P = 0.02), and in the microcystic and mixed types (P = 0.003). Conclusions: Surgical excision of LMs, especially the macrocystic type in infants and children as the primary treatment modality, especially when it is complete is safe and highly successful technique and has satisfactory outcome.