P.042 The use of functional MRI in low grade glioma surgery - a Canadian survey

Abstract

Background: The goal of a brain tumour operation is maximal safe resection. No widely used guidelines for the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in these patients currently exist. In this study we are trying to determine if and how Canadian neurosurgeons use fMRI in the management of patients with low grade glioma (LGG). Methods: A 15-25 minute survey was created using an online survey tool. In Part One of the study the survey was distributed to neurosurgery consultant and resident staff at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). In Part Two of the study the survey is being distributed to members of the Canadian Neurosurgical Society. The survey consists of two sections - background and case-based decision making. Results: There were six surveys from the LHSC staff. On average respondents indicated that they obtain fMRI for 9% of LGG patients, though 67% indicated that they were comfortable ordering and interpreting fMRI studies. In the case-based section, fMRI data did not tend to affect respondents’ preferred treatment, confidence in their treatment, or their predicted risk of surgical treatment. Conclusions: In this limited survey of LHSC neurosurgical staff there was no regular use of fMRI in LGG patients. We await the results of a national survey of Canadian neurosurgeons.