The treatment of extensive arteriovenous malformations in the head.

Vascular tumours and malformations are revealed at birth and do not subside. The aim of the study was to present the principles and outcomes of treatment of patients with arteriovenous malformations treated at the Clinic of Plastic Surgery in Polanica Zdrój in the years 2009- 2010. Only one patient, who had not been treated previously, had the lesion on the cheek removed subtotally and the defect was closed by means of local repair. In the remaining patients, with primary lesions located in the auricle, scalp, and cheeks, the indications for operation included recurrent infections, ulcerations, and first of all, massive, life-threatening haemorrhages. All the patients, treated for many years in other centres, had underwent numerous resection procedures, vessel ligations, embolizations and obliterations. The patients were followed up after the surgery every 6 months. The therapy aim was achieved in all the patients. Vascular tumours were removed totally or subtotally, the lost structures were reconstructed and permanent healing of the wound was achieved. None of the patients developed recurrence of the disease, infection, or bleeding.