Treatment of giant neurofibromas in extremities and trunk wall of neurofibromatosis type 1 patients: a Chinese 12‐year single‐institution experience

Abstract Backgrounds Giant neurofibromas occurring in individuals diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) often result in considerable disfigurement, functional impairment, and diminished quality of life. Although debulking surgery poses inherent risks of complications, it remains the most efficacious approach to address these issues. The primary objective of this study was to share our surgical experience with giant neurofibromas in the extremities and trunk wall of NF1 patients which may help surgeons to minimize intraoperative bleeding and facilitate tumor excision. Methods A retrospective review was conducted at a single center, encompassing 36 NF1 patients with giant neurofibromas in the extremities and trunk wall who underwent debulking surgery from July 2010 to July 2022. Results Twenty‐one male and fifteen female NF1 patients who received one to four surgical interventions were evaluated. The average age at the time of surgery was 17.8 years. The median follow‐up time was 52 months. Our findings revealed relatively low rates of complications and recurrence. Notably, patients expressed satisfaction with both the aesthetic and functional results. Conclusions Debulking surgery of giant neurofibromas in the extremities and trunk wall of NF1 patients can effectively reduce the tumor burden, leading to improvements in both the appearance and function.