Propranolol for Preoperative Management of a Large Infantile Hemangioma

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common vascular tumors that typically follow a predictable pattern of rapid proliferation followed by gradual involution. Although most do not require treatment, some large or difficult IHs do, with medical and surgical options available. Prior reports indicate the success of using propranolol, a nonselective β-blocker, to treat these lesions. This report will demonstrate the use of propranolol preoperatively to manage a large IH followed by surgical excision of the lesion in a collaborative medical and surgical approach.