Intralesional radiofrequency in venous malformations

Venous malformations are usually asymptomatic and managed conservatively. Treatment, in the form of laser, sclerotherapy, or resection, is needed only if lesions present with symptoms or cosmetic deformity. The aim of this study was to find out how effective radiofrequency ablation was in patients with incomplete or unsatisfactory resolution of a venous malformation after an intralesional injection of bleomycin. During the 5 year period 2008-2012, we organised a prospective, clinical study at a tertiary care centre. Patients were selected from the outpatient department of the Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospitals, New Delhi, India. Five patients with venous malformations were treated by intralesional injection of bleomycin in a dose of 0.5U/kg body weight, which was repeated every 2 weeks for a total of 8 injections. They then had multiple intralesional radiofrequency ablation every 2 months until a satisfactory outcome was achieved. After the initial 8 doses the reduction in the size of the lesions was minimal (less than 50%). After 2-4 applications of radiofrequency ablation there was appreciable reduction in the size of the lesions (about 80%) with good functional and cosmetic outcomes. Radiofrequency ablation is an effective adjunct for patients with venous malformations of the head and neck that have not responded satisfactorily to intralesional injection of bleomycin. To our knowledge radiofrequency ablation after intralesional injection of bleomycin has not previously been described as a treatment for venous malformations.