The strategies and skills of brain tumor surgery in cerebral functional areas assisted with neuronavigation and electrophysiological monitoring

Abstract

Objective Explore the strategy and skills of tumor resection in functional areas. Method From May 2008 to May 2009,41 cases were studied,among which 23 cases were operated and assisted with neuronavigation and electrophysiological monitoring, 18 cases were treated solely by microsurgery. In navigation group, tomors and functional areas were located by neuronavigation, somatosensory evoked potential( SEP) ,motor evoked potential( MEP) and awake surgery techniques, then removal of tumor was achievedc according to the relationship between tumors and functional areas. Results In no - assisted group,4 tumors (22%) were totally removed, 3 ( 17% ) subtotal removed, 11 (61% ) partialy removed. 6 cases ( 33% ) had good recovery, 2 ( 11% ) no changed, 10 ( 56% ) impaired. In navigation group, 12 tumors ( 52% ) were totally removed, 4 ( 17% ) subtotal removed, 7 (31%) partialy removed. 16 cases ( 70% ) had good recovery, 3 ( 13% ) no changed, 4 (17%) impaired. The ratio of tumor resection in navigation group was much higher than that in no - assisted group ( P < 0. 05 ). The ratio of dysfunction in navigation group was much lower than that in no - assisted group ( P < 0. 05). Conclusions Assisted with neuronavigation and electrophysiological monitoring, the tumor and functional area could be located accurately. With excellent skills, good surgical results could be achieved in most brain tumors in functional areas. Key words: Neuronavigation; Electrophysiological monitoring; Functional area; Brain neoplasms