Infantile Hemangioma: Evolving Trends in Surgical Management

Objective 1) Present outcomes of surgically treated infantile hemangioma, and describe changes in surgical management with the advent of changes in medical therapy. 2) Highlight the role of imaging in surgical planning. 3) Identify risk factors for surgical complications. Method Retrospective chart review of patients in a multidisciplinary clinic diagnosed with infantile hemangioma involving soft tissue and skin between 2008 and 2010. Data relating to demographics, indications for surgery, histopathology analysis, postoperative care, and complications were collected. Results Of 1050 subjects, 109 patients (10%) underwent surgical intervention, and 78% of the lesions were in the head and neck. Ulceration, bleeding, and deformity were the major surgical indications. Seven patients underwent staged excision. Magnetic resonance imaging was utilized in diagnostic workup and preoperative planning in 15 cases. Adjunctive medical therapy was safely used in 26% of the surgical cohort. Head and neck lesions were more likely to receive adjunctive therapy ( P =. 007) and had a higher complication rate. Overall complication rate was lower (6%) compared with our 2005‐2007 surgery cohort (1012 patients) with a complication rate of 17%. Conclusion Surgery continues to be a viable form of therapy for complicated infantile hemangiomas. Introduction of propanolol and vincrinstine for challenging lesions did not change the surgery rate but may partly explain the lower complication rate secondary to preoperative reduction of surgical bulk.