Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations: Outcome and Surgical Management

Abstract

Introduction: Vascular anomalies, are a complex pathological group comprising of hemangiomas,
vascular tumors and congenital vascular malformations.The management of hemangioma is
very challenging in resource poor setting. We have evaluated surgical excision/ligation and
sclerotherapy as a treatment choice for hemangioma which failed to regress after medical
treatment.
Methods: This is a prospective study on surgical management of vascular anomalies conducted
using a preformed questionnaire at Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal.
Total 35 patients with vascular anomalies were enrolled in this study from January 2017 to June
2017.
Results: This study demonstrated that hemangioma is seen more frequently in women of age
group 10 – 20 years. Hemangioma are commonly observed on upper and lower extremity of body
followed by trunk. In total 35 patient , major complains were pain during physical activity (71%),
hemorrahage(11%), infection (6%) and aesthetic problems. 74% patient underwent excision
and ligation of hemangioma whereas 26% cases were managed with sclerotherapy. Majority
of patient experienced significant relief of pain in immediate post operative day (p=0.045).The
capillary hemangioma is the most common variant of hemangioma.
Conclusions: The conventional surgery and sclerosing therapy has shown to be effective
treatment option with good outcomes for hemangiomas which failed to regress after conservative
approach especially in limited resource settings.
Keywords: Hemangioma , outcome, surgical management