Surgical removal of intra- and extraoral cavernous lymphangiomas using intraoperative-assisted intralesional fibrin glue injections.

Benign lymphangiomas are encountered frequently in the head and neck region. They may be well circumscribed or diffusely invasive, involving subcutaneous tissue and underlying muscle, and consist of dilated, thin-wall sinuses. Surgical therapy with excision as wide as possible, while taking care to avoid rupturing the lesion, is the treatment of choice. To simplify complete excision, the authors introduce an intraoperative technique--intralesional injection of fibrin glue. Using this technique over period of 10 years in 27 patients (age range, 7-24 years) they removed successfully intra- and extraoral lymphangiomas. There have been no recurrences. This technique helps avoid rupture of the epithelium and bleeding, and makes it easier to remove lymphangiomas surgically and as completely as possible. This technique reduces recurrence remarkably and ensures successful surgical excision.