Resection of a cystic brainstem hemangioblastoma via a retrosigmoid approach.

Lesions of the brainstem pose a technical challenge due to their close proximity to critical vascular structures, neural pathways, and nuclei. Hemangioblastomas are rare lesions of the central nervous system and can cause significant neurological dysfunction, primarily due to enlargement of the cystic component. This is especially relevant when hemangioblastomas occur in eloquent brainstem regions. However, the outcomes after hemangioblastoma resection are good if complete surgical resection of the tumor of the mural nodule, can be achieved. This video demonstrates the excision of a brainstem hemangioblastoma via a left retrosigmoid craniotomy under Stealth guidance. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/bCkuaPwMV20 .