Pineal region: surgical management of tumours and vascular malformations

From August, 1977, to April, 1980, 11 patients were operated on for lesions in and around the pineal region. The pathology consisted of 8 tumours, 1 giant arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen, 1 giant aneurysm of the posterior cerebral artery, and 1 venous malformation of the vein of Galen. A different tactical approach was used, depending upon the location and the type of lesion. The present series documents the feasibility of the direct surgical attack on vascular and tumoural lesions of the pineal region with low mortality and no morbidity. Tactical and technical aspects are discussed.