My AVM has been recommended for Surgical Resection – what does that mean?

Your neurosurgeon may recommend surgery to remove the AVM if:

• It has already bled

• It carries a high risk of bleeding in the future

• It is in a location that can be safely reached

• Other treatments are less suitable

 

The goal of surgery is to completely remove the AVM and prevent future bleeding.

 

Surgery for brain AVM is a very specialised procedure – not all Neurosurgeons perform AVM surgery. It generally requires years of additional training and experience, and is usually performed in a specialised neurosurgery centre.

 

A/Prof Davidson has trained under Australia’s leading AVM surgeon (Professor Michael Morgan – now retired from practice), and has performed hundreds of aneurysm and AVM surgeries. During his 3-year Cerebrovascular Fellowship with Professor Morgan (from 2008-2010), Dr Davidson also completed a research PhD, studying the molecular biology of brain AVMs.

 

What does surgery involve?

• Surgery is done under general anaesthetic (you will be asleep).

• A craniotomy (opening in the skull) is made.

• The AVM is carefully separated from surrounding brain and normal blood vessels using a microscope and fine instruments.

• The AVM is removed, the bone is replaced, and the skin closed.

• Surgery usually takes several hours.

 

Surgery for brain AVM is highly effective, with cure rates greater than 90-95%.

 

What are the possible risks and complications?

All brain surgery carries risks. These vary depending on the size and location of the AVM.

Risks may include:

• Stroke or weakness

• Bleeding during or after surgery

• Infection

• Seizures

• Swelling of the brain

• Speech, vision, or movement problems

 

In most cases, surgery for Spetzler-Martin Grade 1 & 2 AVMs can be performed with relatively low risk (usually less than 5% risk).

However, larger AVMs are associated with much higher risk, and some AVMs are located in critical brain and are truly inoperable.

 

Your surgical team will discuss your individual risks with you.

 

FURTHER EXPLANATION:

The risk of surgery for most Spetzler-Martin Grade 1 & 2 AVMs is less than 5%.

The risk of surgery for most Grade 3 AVMs is around 10-20%.

The risk of surgery for most Grade 4 & 5 AVMs is around 30-50%.

Some AVMs cannot be safely removed.

 

Recovery after surgery

• After surgery, you will be monitored in a high dependency or intensive care unit.

• Hospital stay is usually 5–10 days.

• You will normally have an angiogram in hospital after your surgery to confirm complete removal of the AVM.

• Short-term effects may include headaches, tiredness, or difficulty concentrating.

• Some patients need rehabilitation (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy).

• Recovery times vary. Most patients gradually return to normal activities.

• Most patients are able to return to work around 2-3 months after surgery.

• You will not be allowed to drive for at least 3-6 months after surgery.

 

Alternatives to surgery

Not all AVMs require surgery. Other treatment options may include:

• Stereotactic radiosurgery – precise radiation to shrink the AVM over time.

• Endovascular embolisation – blocking the AVM’s blood supply using a catheter in the blood vessels.

• Observation – monitoring with scans if the AVM is small and low risk.

 

Questions to ask your doctor

• Why is surgery the best option for me?

• What are the risks in my case?

• How long will my recovery take?

• Will I need rehabilitation afterwards?

• What are the chances my AVM will come back?

• What alternatives do I have?

​

📌 Important note: This information is general and should not replace advice from your treating neurosurgeon. Always discuss your individual situation and treatment options with your specialist team.
​