Alternative names
Birthmark excision

Definition
A hemangioma is a non-cancerous blood vessel growth. Excision is surgery to remove it.

Description
While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), the hemangioma is removed. If the hemangioma was large, the site may be covered with a skin graft.

Indications

Hemangiomas are the most common benign (non-cancerous) blood vessel growths in infants and children. Most go away with time, and occasionally with medication.

Large hemangiomas that cause symptoms or are disfiguring may require surgical excision. Alternatively, laser treatment may be an option if the hemangioma is superficial. Some liver hemangiomas are treated by blocking their feeding arteries (embolization).

Risks
The risks for any anesthesia are:

 
• Reactions to medications  
• Problems breathing

The risks for any surgery are:

 
• Bleeding  
• Infection  
• Scarring

Expectations after surgery
Cosmetic improvements depend on the size and location of the lesion and the surgeon’s skill. Generally, the long-term outlook is quite good.

Convalescence
The hospital stay will depend on the extent of surgery. Complete healing may take up to 6 weeks.

Medical Encyclopedia

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