Cosmetic excision of an isolated extracranial arteriovenous malformation using Gelfoam embolization

Surgical excision of extracranial arteriovenous malformations may be indicated for cosmetic or urgent medical reasons, such as haemorrhage or high output cardiac failure. However, serious haemorrhage, incomplete removal and poor cosmetic results are well-known complications encountered after this operation. Preoperative embolization under angiographic control is recommended to reduce the incidence of these problems.