OK‐432 (Picibanil) therapy for lymphangioma: Collective experience in the literature

Abstract

Lymphangiomas, especially the large ones, can sometimes be difficult to treat surgically if they are situated around vital structures such as regions of facial nerves or brachial plexuses. Many non‐operative methods have been tried without much success. However, since the report of Ogita in 1987 of the success of OK‐432 injection sclerotherapy for the treatment of lymphangiomas in children, there have been further favourable reports of its use from different institutions. The overall total shrinkage rate from these reports is 51% and the complication rate is low. OK‐432 therapy is recommended for the treatment of lymphangiomas especially when the lesions are situated in anatomical positions which make surgery difficult and hazardous. Its mode of action and the prognostic factors for successful treatment are still unknown and need further studies.