The treatment of lymphangioma. Surgery versus sclerotherapy.*

Abstract

From 1979 to 2000 25 children with lymphangioma were treated. We compared the therapeutical efficacy and side effects of surgery and sclerosing treatment with OK-432, namely a lyophilised of beta-hemolitic group A attenuated Streptococcus pyogenes. Although surgery cannot be completely substituted, the sclerosing therapy leads to recovery in more than 50% of cases, with minor side effects, minor esthetical damage and shorter hospitalization. Also when slerosing therapy does not induce complete healing, it makes the subsequent surgery easier and decreases its risks.