The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
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
Devonshire Street London W1G 7AF
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, London SW1W 8RH
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
The London Gamma Knife Centre
Platinum Medical Centre, Lodge Road London NW8 7JA
Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road
280 King's Road London SW3 5AW
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
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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