Outcomes of absolute ethanol sclerotherapy in the treatment of lip venous malformations

Lam Thao Cuong, Nguyen Dinh Phat

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of labial venous malformations treated with absolute ethanol sclerotherapy. A retrospective descriptive observational study was conducted in 58 patients with labial venous malformations who underwent ultrasound-guided intervention at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City from January 2023 to January 2025. At 6-month follow-up, outcomes were favorable: 74.1% demonstrated good or very good clinical improvement, and 75.8% of patients showed a > 50% reduction in lesion volume on magnetic resonance imaging. Regression analysis indicated that localized morphology, well-demarcated lesion margins, and Puig classification type I–II were statistically significantly associated with a better treatment response (p < 0.05). Regarding safety, serious complications such as localized skin necrosis occurred in 5.2%, and no systemic complications was noted. In conclusion, in this cohort, absolute ethanol sclerotherapy resulted in favorable clinical and imaging outcomes and an acceptable safety profile, while preserving facial aesthetics and function.

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References

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