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An excision of a spinal arteriovenous malformation
REMOVAL OF A SPINAL AVM
It may be possible to embolise and/or remove a spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) to stop it from posing a risk to your spinal cord
What are Spinal AVMs?
Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are tangles of blood vessel that form on or in your spinal cord. If left untreated, they can lead to leg weakness and disturbance of bladder and bowel function. In some cases, spinal AVMs can permanently damage your spinal cord, particularly if they bleed. Our spinal neurosurgeons can remove them.
Need to know
Excision is a surgical procedure to remove an AVM. The aim of this is to stop your symptoms from getting worse and reduce the risk of complications.
Before carrying out an excision, your spinal neurosurgeon may recommend carrying out an embolisation, which will block the supply of blood to the AVM. This is usually performed within a few days of the excision itself. Sometimes embolization is enough to cure the AVM without the need for subsequent surgery.
After embolising the AVM, your spinal neurosurgeon will then remove it if necessary and safe. Both embolisation and excision are carried out under general anaesthetic.
If your HCA UK consultant has recommended an excision, you may be asked to attend a pre-operation appointment prior to the procedure itself. At this appointment, a spinal neurosurgeon or nurse specialist will explain how to prepare for the embolisation and excision of the spinal arteriovenous malformation.
After your procedure, you'll be taken to our recovery ward, where we'll care for you. Your spinal neurosurgeon or nurse specialist will explain how long you can expect to stay with us after having your spinal AVM excision. They'll also explain when you can leave and what your recovery time will be.
Our An excision of a spinal arteriovenous malformation locations
Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
13-19 Devonshire Street Marylebone W1G 7AF London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
Alan's story
Despite years of experiencing heart problems that just wouldn’t go away, Alan was apprehensive about having a surgical procedure. But with the expertise of his consultant and the latest cardiac technology, he decided to go ahead.
Andrew's story
“I couldn’t move my legs at all, and my arms only partially. But now I can walk six miles. I wouldn’t have got that without the physio team at The Christie Private Care, I simply wouldn’t have.”
How a second opinion helped uncover a hidden cardiac problem
Former Olympic swimmer, Adrian, was used to prioritising his physical wellbeing and continued to exercise regularly, keeping him in good health into his 60s. But when he got out of the pool one day, he noticed that something wasn’t right.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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