Microsurgical resection of infratentorial arteriovenous malformations

Successful microsurgical resection of an infratentorial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) requires both surgical skill and intraoperative judgment. Extensive practical experience in treating these complex lesions, which is acquired over many years, is of substantial value during each new operation. The authors present the surgical approaches and techniques used for the treatment of posterior fossa AVMs based largely on the strategies acquired and developed by the senior author (H.H.B.). Emphasis is placed on conceptual principles of AVM excision, as well as principles incorporated for the treatment of each specific type of infratentorial malformation.