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Pediatric lymphatic malformations: evolving understanding and therapeutic options

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Abstract

Multimodal treatment of lymphatic malformations continues to expand as new information about the biology and genetics of these lesions is discovered, along with knowledge gained from clinical practice. A patient-centered approach, ideally provided by a multidisciplinary medical and surgical team, should guide timing and modality of treatment. Current treatment options include observation, surgery, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and laser therapy. New medical and surgical therapies are emerging, and include sildenafil, propranolol, sirolimus, and vascularized lymph node transfer. The primary focus of management is to support and optimize these patients’ quality of life. Researchers continue to study lymphatic malformations with the goal of increasing therapeutic options and developing effective clinical pathways for these complicated lesions.

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    1. Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Comer Children’s Hospital, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, 5839 S. Maryland, Suite A-426, MC 4062, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA

      Ann M. Defnet, Naina Bagrodia, Sonia L. Hernandez, Natalie Gwilliam & Jessica J. Kandel

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    Ann M. Defnet and Naina Bagrodia have contributed equally.

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    Defnet, A.M., Bagrodia, N., Hernandez, S.L. et al. Pediatric lymphatic malformations: evolving understanding and therapeutic options. Pediatr Surg Int 32, 425–433 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-016-3867-4

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