Combined treatment of head and neck vascular masses with preoperative embolization

Recent advances with aggressive vascular radiologic techniques have altered the methods of treatment of head and neck vascular malformations. High resolution CT scanning and superselective angiography with subtraction technique is now capable of defining the extent of these lesions and demonstrating blood flow dynamics. Careful joint evaluation by the vascular radiologist and the head and neck surgeon is necessary for the proper treatment of these patients. Preoperative embolization of these lesions effectively reduces intraoperative blood loss and provides for better exposure in those patients ultimately undergoing resection of these masses. Careful selection of those cases that are amenable to total or subtotal excision, with adherence to specific criteria and goals, usually produces gratifying results. We present five patients who have undergone combined treatment of their head and neck vascular lesions. Our treatment protocol is reviewed and emphasis is placed on the integral part that the vascular radiologist assumes in the treatment of these patients.