Surgical treatment of brainstem cavernous malformations

Background

The contemporary neurosurgeon is often confronted by cavernous malformations. Those located in the brainstem are particularly challenging

Methods

This article reviews published series on the natural history and surgical outcomes of these lesions and discusses the surgical approaches used at our institution for their resection.

Results

Despite their challenging location in the brainstem, appropriately selected lesions can be resected surgically with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions

Our institutional philosophy on the surgical treatment of brainstem cavernous malformations reflects the substantial surgical experience of the senior author.