Surgical removal of intra- and extraoral cavernous lymphangiomas using intraoperative-assisted intralesional fibrin glue injections

Benign lymphangiomas are encountered frequently in the head and neck region . They may be well circumscribed or diffusely invasive, involving subcutane ous tissue and underlying muscle, and consist of dilated, thin-wall sinuses . Surgical therapy with excision as wide as possible, while taking tare to avoid rupturing the lesion, is the treatment of choice. To simplify complet e excision, the authors introduce an intraoperative technique-intralesional injection of fibrin glue. Using this technique over period of 10 years in 27 patients (age range, 7-24 years) they removed successfully intra- and ex traoral lymphangiomas. There have been no recurrences. This technique helps avoid rupture of the epithelium and bleeding, and makes it easier to remov e lymphangiomas surgically and as completely as possible. This technique re duces recurrence remarkably and ensures successful surgical excision.