Head, neck, and brain tumor embolization guidelines.

Area of Science:

• Neurointerventional Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Management of head, neck, and brain vascular tumors is complex, often requiring a multidisciplinary strategy.
• Peri-operative embolization is integral for reducing intraoperative bleeding and shortening surgical times.
• Advances in neurointerventional techniques are increasing the use of peri-operative embolization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish consensus reporting standards and guidelines for embolization treatment of vascular tumors in the head, neck, and brain.
• To provide uniformity in future trials and studies involving embolization of these tumors.

Main Methods:

• A computerized literature search of the PubMed database was conducted for relevant articles published between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2010.
• The writing group comprised members of the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery.
• The article summarizes the effectiveness and safety of peri-operative vascular tumor embolization.

Main Results:

• Peri-operative embolization is an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for surgical resection of vascular head, neck, and brain tumors.
• Major complications are rare when procedures are performed by trained operators with expertise in vascular and surgical anatomy.
• The summarized literature indicates a favorable safety profile for the procedure.

Conclusions:

• This document provides consensus definitions and reporting standards for embolization of vascular tumors.
• The guidelines aim to standardize reporting and publication in future studies, not to dictate the standard of care.
• Adherence to these standards may improve the quality and comparability of research in this field.