Critical issues in management of congenital vascular malformation

Congenital vascular malformation (CVM) has long been a challenging problem. Recently, a new classification of CVMs was launched, opening up a new era. This improved definition provides critical information on CVM etioanatomopathophysiology. Advanced diagnostic technology has also provided more accurate and safer diagnosis. Finally a new, improved method of managing CVMs based on a new, multidisciplinary approach has emerged. In this study, various noninvasive diagnostic tests were adopted for contemporary diagnosis, and invasive studies were reserved for use as a road map for treatment. A new treatment strategy evolved, following proper identification of absolute and relative indications for treatment, which integrates surgical therapy and embolosclerotherapy. Three hundred and sixty-two patients selected for treatment, among a total of 1007 patients with various indications, were retrospectively reviewed. Various embolosclerotherapy techniques were performed on 333 patients, including 640 sessions of ethanol-based therapy. The immediate success rate was excellent (96.2%) but was accompanied by various complications mostly of a minor nature during 212 sessions (22%). The interim results were also excellent, with no evidence of recurrence. A total of 102 patients underwent 128 surgical procedures, consisting of a variety of different therapies, either independently (29/102) or in conjunction with preoperative embolosclerotherapy (73/102). Most of the interim results were excellent (111/128). The use of a complex therapy regimen through a multidisciplinary approach leads to a more manageable and satisfactory outcome.