The use of transarterial microembolization in the management of hemangiomas of the perioral region.

The management of oral and perioral hemangiomas depends on several clinical factors. Surgery of these benign lesions can at times be disfiguring, especially when the lips, muscles, or the maxilla and mandible are involved. In addition, by the very nature of these lesions, surgical treatment may be associated with excessive intra- and perioperative blood loss. A series of five patients who had hemangiomas in the perioral region and who were initially treated with transarterial microembolization, preoperatively in two cases and as the only treatment in three cases, is presented. The technique of microembolization is described and recommendations for its use are given.