<s>[INST] I might be having surgery for Arnold chiari malformation and I am meeting with the neurosurgeon again today and I am just looking to see if there are any specific questions I should be asking, there isn t much study on the matter and I am more confused every minute. [/INST] Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. Arnold-Chiari malformation if symptomatic, is treated by surgery. Surgery consists on decompression of posterior fossa, i.e. removing a part of bone in your back part of your head, cutting and releasing outer and, in certain cases, middle coverings of the brain (aura and arachnoid), putting a graft on it, relieving in this manner cerebellum (small brain) and brain stem. It is a brain surgery and these types of operations carry risks also. Risks include cerebrospinal fluid leakage, wound infection, recurring of Arnold-Chiari malformation, rarely brain structures damage. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow-up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. </s>