Preoperative embolization of hemangioblastoma of central nervous system

Objective: To determine whether preoperative embolization is a valuable adjunct to surgical excision of hemangioblastoma. Methods: Eleven cases of hemangioblastoma, involving 8 of cerebellum, 1 of medulla oblongata and 2 of spinal cord shown by CT, MR and DSA were embolized preoperatively. The feeding arteries were catheterized with microcatheter and devascularized with polyvinyl alcohol particles. Results: The blood supplies of the tumor in 6 cases were completely eliminated, and partial occlusion through embolization were undergone for the other 5 cases. Surgical operation was undergone 1-7 days later with all, the 11 tumors totally resected accompanied by minimal blood loss and shortening of the operation time. In addition, manipulation and removal of these embolized tumors were actually easier than expected. No complications occurred during the procedures of embolization and operation. Conclusions: Preoperative embolization of hemangioblastoma is a useful and relatively safe to surgical complete resection of this hypervascular tumor with significant reduction of blood loss and operation time