A technique for periorbital syringomas: intralesional radiofrequency ablation

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of intralesional radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of periorbital syringomas.

METHODS

We tried the intralesional radiofrequency ablation for 64 patients with periorbital syringomas from 2007 to 2011. The operation was performed under 2.5 loupe magnifications. The handpiece was assembled with a needle electrode and connected to the radiofrequency ablation apparatus. The electrode was then inserted into the target lesions in dermis and delivering injury to the base of these tumors. Results were assessed clinically by comparing pre- and post-treatment photographs and patient satisfaction rates.

RESULTS

Clinical improvement increased with each subsequent treatment session. The percent of patients whose clinic improvement grade were≥3 after each session was respectively 71.9%(Session1), 83.3%(Session2), and 100%(Session3). The statistical results indicated the concordance of the clinical assessment and the satisfaction level of patients (kappa=0.78 of the session1; kappa=0.82 of the session2). The majority of patients had good or excellent cosmetic results. Postoperatively, there were no permanent side effects or recurrences.

CONCLUSION

As a new technique of minimally invasion, the intralesional radiofrequency ablation was found to be an effective, inexpensive, highly precise and safe way of treating periorbital syringomas.