Neodymium-YAG Laser for hemangiomas and vascular malformations -- long term results.
BACKGROUND
Hemangiomas and vascular malformations are the most common vascular lesions of infancy. Different lasers can be used for treatment. Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation is particularly effective because of its deep penetration into tissue.


METHODS
Thirty-one patients, aged from three months to 18 years, with voluminous hemangiomas and venous malformations were treated with a cw-neodymium:YAG laser. The quartz fibre was used in percutaneous and intralesional technique. Long-term follow-up data were acquired by clinical control or a patient questionnaire for a maximal period of eight years. Twenty patients could be evaluated.


RESULTS
In the group with hemangiomas (n = 15), three cases showed nearly complete remission (> 90 %), ten cases had a partial reduction in size (50 - 90 %), in one case there was stable disease and in one case tumor growth. In the group with venous malformations (n = 5) two cases showed an excellent response (> 90 %), one case a moderate response (25 - 50 %) and in two cases there was no improvement. Adverse effects included scars (40 %), hyper- and hypopigmentation (23 %), mild atrophy (20 %) and a wrinkled texture (17 %). After maximal reduction in size, 30 % of the patients were not satisfied with the laser treatment outcome and elected surgical excision of the residual lesion.


CONCLUSIONS
The neodymium:yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser with percutaneous or intralesional application technique is a valuable tool for selected patients with hemangiomas and venous malformations.
Ulrich
Heidi
H
University of Regensburg, Department of Dermatology, Germany. heidi.ulrich@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Bäumler
Wolfgang
W
Hohenleutner
Ulrich
U
Landthaler
Michael
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D009354:Neodymium; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D009354:Neodymium