Pre-operative embolization in the management of giant truncal intramuscular hemangiomata

Hemangiomas are a relatively common, benign vascular tumor comprising about 7% of all benign tumors. Only about 0.8% of these hemangiomas are intramuscular in location. The rare occurrence of the large intramuscular hemangioma, their poor history of correct pre-operative diagnosis, and the potential for profuse bleeding during excision make them an ongoing challenge. We report on a new approach which utilizes pre-operative angiography, arterial embolization, and same-day surgery to decrease the potential for intra-operative bleeding and, thus, facilitate the resectability of these lesions with minimal morbidity.