NEUROFIBROMA

Neurofibroma is a type of benign tumor that grows on nerves in the body. Neurofibroma cases are quite often handled by plastic surgeons in Indonesia. Although most neurofibromas are benign, they produce unsightly lumps (often bumps on the face, limbs), sometimes the neurofibromas can hit the surrounding nerves and muscles, causing pain or other unwanted symptoms.

Neurofibromatosis is a hereditary disorder due to gene mutations. Neurofibroma patients that appear on the skin and feel pain are candidates for neurofibroma removal. Because this procedure is so safe and effective, most people can experience removal of the neurofibroma with few complications.

How is the neurofibroma removed?
Neurofibroma cases are often handled by plastic surgeons because they involve improving the patient's appearance (face). Neurofibromas will not go away on their own and often get bigger over time. Therefore, the only way to remove these tumors from the body is through surgery. The most common method of removing neurofibromas is to make an incision and remove the tumor underneath. After the neurofibroma is removed, the incision is closed with sutures. In consultation with the plastic surgeon the patient will assess the shape of the neurofibroma as well as evaluate your medical history and overall health. It is important for the patient to tell the plastic surgeon that the neurofibroma is causing adverse symptoms. The patient is also expected to tell whether the patient smokes on long-term blood thinning drugs, vitamins, or other drugs. The removal of a single neurofibroma usually takes about an hour, although it depends on size, depth, and location.

Neurofibroma removal is usually very safe, all surgeries involve some level of risk and potential complications. The most common complications include bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Surgical removal of the neurofibroma is usually performed using local anesthesia, however, in certain cases, general anesthesia is needed to ensure the patient is comfortable and painless.

Large neurofibroma removal treatments require the patient to be treated overnight. If the size of the neurofibroma is small, the patient can be immediately treated for outpatient care (one day service). Most neurofibromas can be removed under local anesthesia, which means you can present yourself, have the procedure, and go home unattended. The incision site will usually be covered with a small, sterile dressing that will last from one day to a week.

The neurofibromal tissue sample is sent to a laboratory to be tested to confirm a neurofibroma diagnosis. Postoperative follow-up visits will usually be scheduled for one week after which the plastic surgeon can observe the healing process and remove stitches if necessary.

Patients can return to normal daily activities immediately, but are usually asked to refrain from vigorous exercise for 2-3 days.

After neurofibroma surgery, most patients experience improvement in aesthetics, as well as relief from unpleasant symptoms caused by neurofibromas. The patient's activity will improve considerably if the location of the neurofibroma is in the limbs.