Craniofacial Surgeon at Children's Healthcare Of Atlanta Pioneers New Procedure

    ATLANTA, April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Fernando D. Burstein, M.D., medical
 director of Craniofacial and Reconstructive Surgery at Children's Healthcare
 of Atlanta, and Joseph K. Williams, M.D., will present the largest study on
 the intralesional laser therapy of hemangiomas (benign vascular tumors).   The
 study was conducted over the last three years, and Dr. Burstein was lead
 author of the study.  Results will be presented at the annual meeting of the
 American Cleft Lip Palate-Craniofacial Association, which opens April 12 in
 Atlanta.
     Hemangiomas are a very common problem among newborns, and about 80 percent
 disappear without any treatment.   Of those that remain, many can be located
 in or near the nose, ear, eye or throat and may interfere with a child's
 ability to smell, hear, see or swallow.  Some are located on the skin's
 surface, while others grow deep inside.
     Earlier alternative treatments ranging from the use of medicine and
 steriods to laser treatment often resulted in adverse side effects that could
 cause retarded growth, infections or scarring, according to Dr. Burstein.
     "Of the 100 children treated, 70 percent received a single outpatient
 treatment; the balance required two to four treatments," he said.  "Forty-six
 patients had more than a 90 percent reduction in the overall size of the
 tumor, and 54 patients had a 50 to 90 percent reduction."
     All patients (many from Georgia) received a general anesthetic and a laser
 fiber was threaded into the lesion, allowing the laser energy to pulsate into
 the tumor.  Study results have just been published in the Annals of Plastic
 Surgery, February 2000 issue.  Since the study, Dr. Burstein said more than
 200 patients, including some adults who had been left untreated, have received
 successful treatment.
      Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is dedicated to enhancing the lives of
 children through excellence in patient care, research and education.
 Children's addresses the unique needs of sick and injured children and their
 families with specially trained physicians and staff, equipment designed for
 young, growing bodies and a child-friendly environment.  Children's has been
 recognized for excellence in cardiology, cancer treatment, craniofacial
 surgery, emergency medicine, orthopaedics, rehabilitation and transplantation
 services among many other pediatric services.  With 400 beds in two hospitals,
 Children's is one of the largest pediatric healthcare systems in the country.
 Through extensive community outreach programs and partnerships with other
 providers, businesses and corporations, we strive to ensure that wellness and
 prevention programs are accessible to families across the state.  As a non-
 profit organization, we benefit from the generous philanthropic and volunteer
 support of our community and state. For information on our programs, services
 and volunteer opportunities call 404-250-KIDS or visit our Web site at
 www.choa.org.
 
 

SOURCE  Children's Healthcare of Atlanta