Manolidis Spiros, Higuera Stephen, Boyd Vincent, Hollier Larry H
Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
J Craniofac Surg. 2006 May;17(3):506-10. doi: 10.1097/00001665-200605000-00020.
Plexiform neurofibromas traditionally have posed a surgical challenge in pediatric patients. Expert preoperative planning, advanced surgical techniques, and vigilant postoperative care results in minimal morbidity and resolution of tumor symptomatology. A retrospective review of four consecutive pediatric patients with massive head and neck neurofibromas who underwent single-stage total or near-total removal of their tumors was performed. All four patients had obstructive airway symptoms. There were two minor complications. All patients had complete relief of their symptoms and return of function without any additional neurologic deficits. It is possible to safely achieve total or near-total removal of extensive plexiform neurofibromas with minimal morbidity while restoring lost function.
