SIX YEARS OF NEURO-NAVIGATION ASSISTED BRAIN TUMOUR SURGERY: PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Abstract AIMS To report a six-year experience with computerized neuro-navigation assistance in our neuro-oncology surgeries and services. METHOD Retrospective review of all consecutive cases involving computer-assisted neuro-navigation diagnostic and resective brain tumour operation over a six-year period (January 2016-December 2021). Main study parameters: Clinical diagnostic procedures, operations, histological diagnosis, adjuvant treatments. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics, and results were presented accordingly. RESULTS Total number of cases 111, Males 70 and Females 41 (M: F = 1.7:1). Age ranges from 8 months to 80 years. The commonest presentation was headache, nausea, and vomiting. Pre-op diagnosis: Intra axial tumours 70/111 (63%), Extra axial tumours 41/111 (36%). Operations: Resection/Debulking of tumour 86/111(77,4%), with complete EOR of 65/86 (75%). Diagnostic Biopsy 68/111(61%) with target precision of 100%. Common Histology were Gliomas 50/111(45%), Meningiomas 41/111 (36.9%), and Metastatic 15/111 (13.5%). Adjuvant treatments and follow-ups were advised accordingly. CONCLUSIONS With computerized neuro-navigation assistance, a wider spectrum of brain tumours were more confidently operated, and adjuvant treatments were easily deployed in line with a precise histological diagnosis for improved neuro-oncology services. But this success was at a huge cost of adopting measures to overcome some inevitable challenges.