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.