Liposuction: A less invasive surgical method of debulking plexiform neurofibromas

BACKGROUND. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disorder in humans. The hallmark of NF1 is development of neural tumors. Plexiform neurofibromas are a major source of morbidity associated with NF1. Surgical removal of these particular tumors is associated with a high risk of damage of surrounding vital structures as well as a risk of significant hemorrhage. Surgical debulking of tumors also sometimes leads to extensive scarring, which may be very disfiguring. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS. We report a novel approach to the surgical therapy of plexiform neurofibromas using liposuction in two patients. RESULTS. Debulking of plexiform neurofibromas with liposuction was successful in both patients. Postoperative follow-up 6 months later showed no evidence of tumor regrowth in either case. CONCLUSION. Liposuction may be a preferable surgical method for debulking of superficial plexiform neurofibromas in patients with NF1. This method is less invasive than conventional surgical tumor debulking.