Utilizing immediate preoperative n-BCA in the resection of head and neck venous and lymphatic malformations

To add to the current literature on single stage excision of head and neck vascular malformations with preoperative n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) glue. Unlike previous studies, this series includes pediatric and adult patients, highlights a single stage partial excision of a complex venous malformation, and describes the first description of using glue prior to resection of a macrocystic lymphatic malformation.

Case series with chart review.

Tertiary-care adult and pediatric hospital.

Four patients (3 males - 9, 13, 25 years, 1 female - 61 years) underwent same day excision of head and neck vascular malformations utilizing immediate preoperative n-BCA glue embolization performed by interventional radiology and otolaryngology, as described by Tieu et al. The indications for resection included bleeding (1/4), pain (3/4), cosmetic deformity (3/4), and discomfort with denture wear (1/4). Prior interventions included none (1/4), cautery and primary closure to control acute hemorrhage (1/4), and sclerotherapy (2/4). Treatments included complete embolization and resection of simple venous malformation (VM)s of the oral cavity/lip (2/4), partial embolization and resection of a complex hemifacial venous malformation (VM) (1/4), and complete embolization and resection of a lymphatic malformation (LM) (1/4). On average, 97 min of anesthesia time was added for the preoperative embolization procedure (range, 94-104 min). All patients had a successful embolization without need for coils. Operative time ranged from 28 to 44 min for the simple cases and was 6 h and 30 min for the complex case. There was minimal blood loss in all cases. There were no associated complications, lesion recurrences, or long-term deficits at an average follow-up of 5 months. The patient with the complex hemifacial VM demonstrated subtle lower facial weakness post-operatively, which completely resolved within two months.

Treatment of head and neck vascular malformations with preoperative n-BCA glue and subsequent surgical excision is a viable method for both simple and complex lesions. The safety and efficacy of this technique has been demonstrated in the past in a limited number of studies. This study further supports the use of this technique to address patient concerns such as pain or discomfort and cosmetic deformity, even if the lesion is only partially resectable. In our series a lymphatic malformation refractory to sclerotherapy was treated with a similar technique of glue and resection, following aspiration of the mucoid LM fluid. Our series emphasizes that pediatric vascular malformations carry functional and cosmetic deficits into adulthood that can and should be addressed in this patient population. Therefore, same-day embolization and resection should be coordinated when possible, in order to optimize patient safety and convenience.