PURPOSE: We evaluated the effectiveness of embolization in the management of congenital vascular malformations(CVMs). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 10 patients who underwent embolotherapy for their soft tissue CVMs(eight arteriovenous malformations, one hemangioma, one venous malformation) involving the extremity or back. In nine patients, intraarterial embolization was performed with multiple embolic agents including Gelfoam, Ivalon, IBCA, ethanol mixed with Lipiodol, and micro-coils. In one patient with venous malformation, direct puncture and embolization of the lesion were performed with absolute ethanol mixed with Lipiodol. RESULTS: In four patients, who subsequently underwent surgery, preoperative embolization decreased operative morbidity and facilitated a thorough extirpation. Five of six patients with inoperable CVMs experienced dramatic reduction of symptoms by single or repeated embolization, with a mean follow-up period of four months. CONCLUSION: We believe that preoperative embolization may decrease operative morbidity and facilitate a thorough extirpation in the patients with extensive but resectable CVMs and repeated embolizations are effective for symptom control in the patients with inoperable CVMs.