[Preoperative embolization for extensive facial hemangiomas]

An extensive hemangioma of the lower face is discussed as an example illustrating the use of therapeutic--particularly preoperative--arterial embolization in the treatment of extensive facial hemangiomas. In this procedure a thrombusinducing material is inserted into the lumen of a blood vessel to occlude this vessel, and thus to reduce blood flow to the lesion. This promising technique opens up new possibilities in the treatment of extensive hemangiomas of the maxillofacial region. It may be used either as a definite therapy or as pretreatment procedure enabling a safer and simpler surgical approach.