03dsBabovic785

Dermatologic Surgery

2003 Abstract

0307-785 Babovic

Babovic S, Bite U, Karnes PS, Babovic-Vuksanovic D.
Liposuction: a less invasive surgical method of debulking plexiform
neurofibromas. Dermatol Surg. 2003 Jul;29(7):785-7. PMID: 12828709

Olmsted Medical Center Department of Medical Genetics Division of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, Mayo Clinic/Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905,
USA.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant
disorder in humans. The hallmark of NF1 is development of neural tumors.
Plexiform neurofibromas are a major source of morbidity associated with NF1.
Surgical removal of these particular tumors is associated with a high risk of
damage of surrounding vital structures as well as a risk of significant
hemorrhage. Surgical debulking of tumors also sometimes leads to extensive
scarring, which may be very disfiguring. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: We report a
novel approach to the surgical therapy of plexiform neurofibromas using
liposuction in two patients. RESULTS: Debulking of plexiform neurofibromas with
liposuction was successful in both patients. Postoperative follow-up 6 months
later showed no evidence of tumor regrowth in either case. CONCLUSION:
Liposuction may be a preferable surgical method for debulking of superficial
plexiform neurofibromas in patients with NF1. This method is less invasive than
conventional surgical tumor debulking.

Publication Types:
Case Reports