Surgical treatment of arteriovenous malformations

Abstract

In this article, we present retrospectively analyzed data of chart reviews of patients who underwent ablative surgery for superficial arteriovenous malformations (AVM) performed at Kobe University Hospital and its branch hospital. All patients underwent preoperative examination including echocardiography, computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiography to determine the nidus of each lesion. Surgical resection for AVMs was performed in 20 patients between May 2001 and April 2015. Selective embolization preoperatively 48 hours before surgery was performed in 10 patients. Complete resection was achieved in 14 patients (70 %) and partial resection in 6 patients. AVMs are classified as congenital vascular anomalies. Therefore, its main body, called the nidus, results from aberrant vasculature. It is important for the surgeon to ascertain the extent of the nidus and resect appropriately. The nidus of the AVM should be completely resected to achieve a complete cure. Based on our experience, we conclude that patients who underwent partial resection did not show worsening during clinical staging.