[PLASTIC SURGERY OF SCALP AND FACIAL PLEXIFORM NEUROFIBROMAS].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the plastic surgical treatment and the way to reduce hemorrhage for scalp and facial plexiform neurofibromas.

METHODS: Between July 2004 and July 2013, 20 patients with scalp and facial plexiform neurofibromas (17 cases of neurofibromatosis type I and 3 cases of plexiform neurofibroma) were treated, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 11 females with an average age of 37 years (range, 18-56 years). The disease duration ranged from 8 to 56 years (mean, 19 years). The scalp was involved in 6 cases, the face in 7 cases, and both the scalp and face in 7 cases. The extent of involvement ranged from 4 cm x 3 cm to 15 cm x 13 cm. Obvious pigmentation was seen in 2 cases. Endovascular embolization was performed before surgical intervention in 4 cases. Preliminary sutures around the lesion were carried out in 18 cases having an involved range over 5 cmx5 cm. One-stage excision was performed in 17 cases, and two-stage excision in 3 cases. Wound repair and facial orthopedic treatment were performed after tumor excision.

RESULTS: The intraoperative blood loss was 100-500 mL (mean, 300 mL) for patients undergoing single operation. For 3 patients undergoing two-stage excision, the blood loss of the first operation was 500, 600, and 800 mL respectively, and the blood loss of the second operation was all 50 mL. Autologous blood transfusion of 200, 400, and 400 mL was performed in 3 cases respectively. The preliminary sutures were removed at 3-7 days (mean, 5 days) after operation. All the incisions healed primarily without secondary hemorrhage and hematoma, and the flap and skin graft survived totally. Fifteen patients were followed up 1 year to 7 years (mean, 2.5 years). All patients showed significant improvement in appearance. No significant progression, expanding, and sagging were observed.

CONCLUSION: Endovascular embolization and preliminary sutures around the lesion can be used to reduce hemorrhage in resection of plexiform neurofibroma in the scalp and face. Personalized surgical plan of benign neurofibromatosis should be made to reduce the tumor mass, to improve function and appearance.