A Novel Technique Using Proline Mesh for Simultaneous Excision and Soft Tissue Suspension in the Management of Craniofacial Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disease that result in vast tumor formation. Craniofacial Neurofibromatosis is rare condition and it commonly affects the orbitotemporal midface, nose, upper lip, cheek and neck with a profound impact on the overall aesthetic outcomes in these patients. Surgical interventions is the gold standard treatment of neurofibroma. It is always complex and challenging due to the variability of the number, site, size, progress and recurrence are unpredictable. The aim of this study to present our novel technique using proline mesh for simultaneous excision and tissue suspension. It is a retrospective study reviewed 17 patients with craniofacial NF-1. Patients with intracranial extension and needed neurosurgical intervention were excluded. Objective and subjective analysis was done using the Mimics software and the need for additional surgery "NAS" score scale. Results shown that using the proline mesh to suspend the tissue hand on hand with NF1 tumor excision is of utmost importance, showing reliable long term satisfactory aesthetic outcome.