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The Operation for Cavernous Malformations in Children

This page was last updated on April 8th, 2024

Patient Positioning

  • Varies: Positioning of the patient depends on the location of the lesion and the surgical approach.
  • Use of head holder optional: The use of a head frame with pins is optional. If skull pins are used on young children, care should be taken to avoid fracture, penetration, or deformity of the skull.

Surgical Approach

  • Shortest route that avoids functionally important structures: The principle of surgical approach is to choose a point where the lesion is closest to the brain surface and to choose the safe entry zone of the brainstem. A two-point method has been described for selection of the appropriate approach to a brainstem lesion (8). A single point is placed at the center of the lesion, and a second point is placed at the margin of the lesion where it comes closest to or abuts the pia or ependymal surface. A line connecting the two points is extended superficially and delineates the best approach to the lesion. The surgical approach that most closely mimics the two-point approximation is used to resect the lesion.
  • Mapping for functional structures helpful: Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is helpful to find the safe entry zone, especially in the floor of the fourth ventricle.

Intervention

  • Remove hematoma carefully: The cavernous malformation proper is often mixed and buried inside the old hematoma products. Careful dissection is needed to achieve complete excision of the cavernous malformation.
  • Look for vascular bundle and coagulate: A vascular bundle is usually present at the deep part of the lesion. This situation should be anticipated, and hemostasis should be secured.
  • Remove hemosiderin-stained tissue if possible: For epilepsy surgery, if the location allows, i.e., not a critical eloquent area, removal of the hemosiderin-laden gliotic tissue has been recommended for better seizure outcome (27).
  • Leave DVAs undisturbed: DVAs are frequently associated with deep-seated cavernous malformations. These veins often contribute to the normal venous drainage of the deep brain structures. Most authors recommend sparing these veins to avoid neurological deficit (19).

Closure

  • Routine: The resection cavity should be carefully inspected for complete resection and for hemostasis before closure. The craniotomy is closed in routine fashion.
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