Role of surgical excision in the treatment of large macrocystic lymphatic malformations in children

Hiba Mahmood Yousuf, Department of pediatric surgery, Basrah children’s specialty teaching hospital, Basrah, Iraq.Follow
Moaied A. Hassan, Department of pediatric surgery, Basrah children’s specialty teaching hospital, Basrah, Iraq.Follow

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background: Lymphatic malformations are rare benign congenital cystic lesions that can develop anywhere in the body. Therapeutic options for these lesions include intralesional sclerotherapy, surgical excision, and other modalities. Aim: This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of complete surgical excision as a therapeutic option in the treatment of large macrocystic lymphatic malformations in children, as well as to introduce a novel modification to the surgical procedure. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 14 patients with large macrocystic lymphatic malformations in different body locations, treated between October 2018 and October 2021 at our institution. Complete surgical excision using a continuous traction technique was the principle therapeutic approach, with no alternative modalities applied. Patients were followed up to assess postoperative cosmetic and functional outcomes, as well as recurrence. Results: Most enrolled patients, comprising 12 (85.7%), presented before the age of 2 years, with eight (57.1%) having lesions in the neck. Clinical diagnosis was possible in 11 (78.6%) cases. Complete surgical excision was successfully achieved in 12 (85.7%) patients, with no significant injury to vital structures. No postoperative functional problems were reported, and esthetic results were satisfactory in the vast majority (92.8%) of patients. Recurrence was not reported in any of the patients enrolled. Conclusion: Complete surgical excision proves to be a safe and effective initial therapeutic modality in the management of large macrocystic lymphatic malformations in children, yielding excellent postoperative results in terms of functional outcomes and recurrence. Utilizing a continuous traction technique during surgical excision has been instrumental in achieving these favorable outcomes.

Keywords

children, lymphatic malformations, surgical excision

Recommended Citation

Yousuf, Hiba Mahmood and Hassan, Moaied A. (2025) "Role of surgical excision in the treatment of large macrocystic lymphatic malformations in children," Iraqi National Journal of Medicine: Vol. 7 : Iss. 2 , Article 4.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.37319/