[Management of cervico-cephalic plexiform neurofibromas: About 35 cases]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Genetics

Background:

• Plexiform neurofibromas (PN) are characteristic of Von Recklinghausen's disease.
• Surgical management of PN is complex due to their hemorrhagic and infiltrative nature.
• Cervico-facial location presents unique surgical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the surgical management strategies for cervico-facial plexiform neurofibromas.
• To assess the outcomes, complications, and long-term results of surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• A 16-year retrospective study included 35 patients with cervico-facial neurofibromas.
• Data collected included patient demographics, lesion characteristics, surgical procedures, complications, and follow-up results.
• Surgical approaches included modeling resection, cervico-facial lifting, and complete resection.

Main Results:

• The average age of patients was 23 years, with 9% having a familial form of the disease.
• Aesthetic concerns were universal; functional impairment occurred in 10% of patients.
• Surgery was performed on 51.4% of patients, with a 28% complication rate (primarily wound disunion).
• After an average 3-year follow-up, over 75% of patients achieved good aesthetic and functional results.

Conclusions:

• Cervico-facial plexiform neurofibromas pose significant surgical challenges.
• Conservative surgical approaches should be considered the gold standard.
• Long-term follow-up is crucial for managing these complex lesions.