Vascular Anomalies: A Pediatric Surgeon’s Perspective

Anomalies affecting the capillary and venous channels form the bulk of the spectrum of vascular anomalies. As per International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification, these are referred to as hemangiomas and venous malformations respectively. The present article is a descriptive note of their management and outcomes. Retrospective records of patients over 17 y (January 2000 through December 2016) were reviewed for presentation, management and outcomes. Outcomes were graded into 3 subgroups based on subjective assessment of clinical images: Group A = near-total response (>90%); Group B = 50–90% and Group C = <50% reduction. Among 90 cases of hemangioma, majority were located in head and neck (86.7%). Outcomes recorded in children who received steroids (n = 36) were: Group A = 61.1%, B = 25% and C = 13.9%; steroids and beta-blockers (n = 8): Group A = 62.5%, B = 25% and C = 12.5%; only beta-blockers (n = 4): Group A = 75% and B = 25%; intralesional sclerotherapy (n = 32): Group A = 55.2% and B = 44.8%; steroids followed by sclerotherapy (n = 7): Group A = 28.6% and B = 71.4%; excision (n = 3): Group A = 100%. Among 171 cases of venous malformation, majority were located in head and neck (49.6%). Outcomes recorded in children who received sclerotherapy (n = 165) were Group A = 20.7%, B = 51% and C = 28.3%; steroids (n = 3): Group A = 100%; beta-blockers (n = 1): Group C = 100%; excision (n = 2): Group A = 100%. Better outcome was noted in smaller-sized lesions and those who required lesser volume of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) injection. Thus, to conclude, the decision regarding the choice and timing of each therapeutic modality should be individualized based on location, size and type of the lesion. The goal of management in these lesions should be to improve the quality of life rather than elimination of the lesion.