Present Approach to Treatment of Large Lymphangiomatous Malformations of Parotid and Submandibular Regions in Infancy and Childhood

Large lymphangiomatous malformations of the parotid and submandibular regions in infancy represent a serious surgical problem, both because of the peculiar connections between the branches of the facial nerve and the cyst walls and also on account of the bleeding which often accompanies the dissection of the lymphangiomas and above all that of hemolymphangiomas. The authors present their experience in the surgical treatment of these lesions. With temporary control of the flow of the external carotid artery and complete dissection of the trunk and divisions of the facial nerve, the mimic function is totally preserved. The anatomical and embryological relationships of the facial nerve and lymphangiomatous dysplasia is described.