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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Published on: August 15, 2025
Resection of an inferior pontine cavernous malformation using a far-lateral transcondylar approach
Sarah T Garber1, William T Couldwell
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Clinical Neurosciences Center, 175 N. Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
Background:
When considering an approach to remove a symptomatic brainstem cavernous malformation, exposure and adequate visualization of the lesion with minimal morbidity should be the primary goals.
Method:
We describe the use of the far-lateral transcondylar technique to access a cavernous malformation in the lower anterior pons.
Results:
This approach accesses the inferior belly of the pons in an inferior-to-superior direction, where the cavernous malformation approaches the surface between the root exit zones of the abducens (VI) cranial nerves.
Conclusion:
We recommend adding this technique to the repertoire of approaches used to resect these technically challenging lesions in selected cases.
