Surgical treatment of brainstem cavernous malformations

BackgroundThe contemporary neurosurgeon is often confronted by cavernous malformations. Those located in the brainstem are particularly challengingMethodsThis 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.ResultsDespite their challenging location in the brainstem, appropriately selected lesions can be resected surgically with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.ConclusionsOur institutional philosophy on the surgical treatment of brainstem cavernous malformations reflects the substantial surgical experience of the senior author.