OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate patient clinical features, surgical complications and outcomes, and the prognostic risk factors of surgical treatment of cavernous malformations (CMs) involving the medulla oblongata. METHODS: The charts of 53 patients who underwent surgical treatment for CMs involving the medulla oblongata between 2011 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, operative documents, and patient outcomes were examined. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 53 patients, with a male/female ratio of 1.4 and a mean age of 32.6 years. Eighteen patients (34.0%) had respiratory dysfunction, and 2 patients (3.8%) had cardiac instabilities, pre-operatively. The mean modified Rankin Scale score was 2.7 on admission. Gross total resection was achieved in 52 patients (98.1%). Postoperatively, 23 patients (43.4%) had respiratory dysfunction, and 16 patients (30.2%) had dysphagia or cough. The mean follow-up duration was 35.7 months. At the last follow-up evaluation, the mean modified Rankin Scale score was 1.7, and 42 patients (84%) had favorable outcomes, with mRS scores <= 2. The conditions of the patients improved in 34 cases (68%), remained unchanged in 10 cases (20%), and worsened in 6 cases (12%) relative to the preoperative baseline. The independent adverse factors for long-term outcome were age >= 50 years and increased time of reservation of tracheal intubation after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of CMs involving the medulla oblongata was challenging, notably, perioperative respiratory dysfunction, with which patients tend to have unfavorable long-term outcomes, especially for elder patients.