Resection of Brainstem Cavernous Malformations: Pearls and Pitfalls for Minimizing Complications

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) is a controversial topic in the field of neurosurgery. These lesions have a propensity to hemorrhage, thereby disrupting surrounding brainstem eloquence.METHODS: This article provides the personal reflections are senior author and a narrative literature review on resection of brainstem CMs.RESULTS: Here we discuss the indications for microsurgery, microsurgical techniques and nuances, and perioperative management considerations necessary to minimize complications during resection of brainstem CMs, which are lesions of venous origin.CONCLUSIONS: The natural history of the lesion, risk of future hemorrhage, and potenti…