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.
Garrett
Mark
M
Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA.
Spetzler
Robert F
RF
D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D020786:Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D020300:Intracranial Hemorrhages / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000379:methods; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011300:Preoperative Care