OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morphologic properties of advanced lymphatic malformations of the head and neck and to investigate possible therapeutic interventions by intralesional endoscopy. DESIGN: This case study analyzes the outcome of intralesional endoscopy of lymphatic malformations of the head and neck and discusses the results of this approach. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Endoscopy was performed on 4 patients with cervicofacial lymphatic malformations. INTERVENTIONS: Endoscopy of lymphatic malformations. RESULTS: The endoscopic inspection and assessment of the lesions revealed detailed information about morphologic aspects like the structure of intralesional septa, internal vascularization, and intercystic correspondence and channel networks. Anatomic landmarks could be followed on their intralesional courses. CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional endoscopy of lymphatic malformations provides insight into the morphologic properties of the lesion and is a useful supplementary tool during conventional surgical intervention and for sclerosing therapy. The technique allows a detailed assessment of these lesions and opens a broad spectrum of therapeutic options.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morphologic properties of advanced lymphatic malformations of the head and neck and to investigate possible therapeutic interventions by intralesional endoscopy. DESIGN: This case study analyzes the outcome of intralesional endoscopy of lymphatic malformations of the head and neck and discusses the results of this approach. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Endoscopy was performed on 4 patients with cervicofacial lymphatic malformations. INTERVENTIONS: Endoscopy of lymphatic malformations. RESULTS: The endoscopic inspection and assessment of the lesions revealed detailed information about morphologic aspects like the structure of intralesional septa, internal vascularization, and intercystic correspondence and channel networks. Anatomic landmarks could be followed on their intralesional courses. CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional endoscopy of lymphatic malformations provides insight into the morphologic properties of the lesion and is a useful supplementary tool during conventional surgical intervention and for sclerosing therapy. The technique allows a detailed assessment of these lesions and opens a broad spectrum of therapeutic options.