Hemangioma excision
Definition
Hemangioma excision is surgery to remove a noncancerous blood vessel growth.
See also: Hemangioma
Alternative Names
Birthmark excisionDescription
The procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (deep asleep and pain-free).
The surgeon will remove the hemangioma. If the hemangioma was large, the site may be covered with a skin graft.
Why the Procedure is Performed
This procedure may be used to remove large hemangiomas that cause symptoms or are disfiguring.
Risks
The risks for any anesthesia are:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
Outlook (Prognosis)
Cosmetic improvements depend on the size and location of the lesion and the surgeon's skill. Generally, the long-term outlook is quite good.
Recovery
The hospital stay will depend on the extent of surgery. Complete healing may take up to 6 weeks.
Review Date:
7/25/2007
Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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