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Course of brain shift during microsurgical resection of supratentorial cerebral lesions: limits of conventional neuronavigation.

BACKGROUND: The authors have conducted a prospective study to evaluate the amount and course of brain shift during microsurgical removal of supratentorial cerebral lesions, and to assess factors which potentially influence these shifts. METHOD: In 61 patients the displacement of 2-3 cortical landmarks on the cerebral surface was dynamically quantified during surgery, i.e. during dissection of the tumour at the estimated half-time of surgery, and at the end of microsurgical removal of the cerebral lesion using the neuronavigation system EasyGuide Neuro. In 14 of these patients the displacement of a subcortical landmark was additionally analysed. Age of the patients, preoperative midline shift, location of the lesion, lesion volume, depth of the lesion below the cortical surface, presence or absence of oedema, and size of the craniotomy were analysed for potential influence on the amount of brain shift. Correlations were analysed for all patients together and for the subgroups of vault meningiomas (n=10), gliomas (n=30), and nonglial intra-axial lesions (n=21). FINDINGS: The mean displacement of the cortical landmarks ranged between 0.8 and 14.3 mm (mean: 6.1 mm, standard deviation: 3.4 mm) during surgery (10-210 minutes [mean: 50.7 minutes, standard deviation: 34.5 minutes] after dura opening) and between 2.4 and 15.2 mm (mean: 6.6 mm, standard deviation: 3.2 mm) at the end of microsurgical removal of the tumourous cerebral lesions (20-375 minutes [mean: 107.2 minutes, standard deviation: 65.6 minutes] after dura opening). Significant correlations (p<0.01) for the entire patient group were found between brain shift and tumour volume, midline shift, and size of the craniotomy, respectively. For the subgroup of vault meningiomas a significant correlation (p<0.01) between brain shift and patient age was found. For the subgroup of gliomas a significant correlation (p<0.01) between brain shift and tumour volume, midline shift and size of the craniotomy, respectively, was found. For the subgroup of nonglial intra-axial lesions a significant correlation (p<0.01) between brain shift and midline shift and between brain shift and size of the craniotomy was found. The quantity of shared common variance ranged between 10-50%. Performing a discriminant analysis, lesion volume was the only certain factor influencing brain shift intra-operatively as well as at the end of lesion removal. 58.5% of the extent of brain shift could be correctly classified by the tumour volume as the only discriminating variable during dissection of the tumour and at the end of surgery. Comparing superficial with subcortical brain shift over the same time period, a mean superficial shift of 4.6 mm (1.6-10.8 mm, standard deviation: 2.8 mm) and a mean subcortical shift of 3.5 mm (1.0-7.7 mm, standard deviation: 2.3 mm) was found. A highly significant Spearman correlation (Rho:.97, p<0.001) between superficial and subcortical brain shift emerged. Shifting of superficial landmarks exceeded shifting of subcortical structures in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate the dynamics of brain shift and the limits of conventional neuronavigation and add additional support for the unavoidable inaccuracy of contemporary neuronavigational systems once the cranium is opened. Brain shift leads to a significant loss of reliability of neuronavigation systems during microsurgical removal of intracranial lesions and there are differences of the course and the amount of brain shift in relation to special subgroups of supratentorial cerebral lesions. However, because of the heterogeneous nature of lesions neurosurgeons have to remove, the modest quantity of shared common variance, and the differences between superficial and subcortical brain shift, it seems unlikely that the amount and course of brain shift become exactly predictable pre-operatively. Only an intra-operative update of image data should have the capacity to overcome this fundamental problem of modern neuronavigation.

Adolescent↗

Application of neuronavigator coupled with an operative microscope and electrocorticography in epilepsy surgery.

Application of neuronavigator coupled with an operative microscope and electrocorticography (ECoG) is a new trial for epilepsy surgery for achieving better seizure outcome and better efficiency for lesionectomy. We used a neuronavigator coupled with a microscope to delineate the magnetic resonance image-detected lesion for lesionectomy and used ECoG for evaluation of the epileptogenic foci. There were 46 patients with medically intractable partial seizures who underwent craniotomy for epilepsy surgery. Half of the patients had lesions at the temporal lobe and another half at the extratemporal lobe. Sixty-one percent of the patients were seizure-free (grade I) and 22% were nearly seizure-free (grade II). Overall, 83% of the patients had satisfactory seizure control. Complete lesion removal was successful in 37 patients (80%). For lesions with requiring complete removal, neuronavigator coupled with a microscope was 95% effective for lesionectomy. Class A of postresection ECoG had a higher rate of seizure-free outcome (92%) (P < .05). On the other hand, 93% of patients (26/28) with seizure-free outcome (grade I) needed complete lesion resection (P < .05). Lesions at the extratemporal lobe yielded a higher rate of seizure-free outcome (78.2%, 18/23) (P < .05). Application of neuronavigator and ECoG (additional cortical resection) is usually necessary for temporal lobe lesions. All patients with cavernous hemangioma were seizure-free. The complication rate in our study was 8.7%. Neuronavigator coupled with a microscope provides efficacy and safety to complete lesionectomy, which is a key point of seizure outcome. Intraoperative ECoG is valuable for evaluating the epileptogenic foci for epilepsy surgery especially for lesions at the temporal lobe.

Adolescent↗

Visualization of the eloquent motor system by integration of MEG, functional, and anisotropic diffusion-weighted MRI in functional neuronavigation.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we visualized the eloquent motor system including the somatosensory-motor cortex and corticospinal tract on a neuronavigation system, integrating magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and anisotropic diffusion-weighted MRI (ADWI). METHODS: Four patients with brain lesions adjacent to the eloquent motor system were studied. Motor-evoked responses (MER) by finger-tapping paradigm were acquired with a 1.5-Tesla MR scanner, and somatosensory-evoked magnetic fields (SEF) by median nerve stimulation were measured with a 204-channel MEG system. In the same fMRI examination, ADWI and anatomic three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging (3-D MRI) were obtained. Activated areas of MER, estimated SEF dipoles, and the corticospinal tract on ADWI were coregistered to 3-D MRI, and the combined MR data were transferred to a neuronavigation system (functional neuronavigation). Intraoperative recording of cortical somatosensory-evoked potentials was performed for confirmation of the central sulcus. RESULTS: Combination of fMRI and MEG enabled firm identification of the central sulcus. Functional neuronavigation facilitated extensive tumor resection, having the advantage of sparing the motor cortex and corticospinal tract in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed functional neuronavigation allows neurosurgeons to perform effective and maximal resection of brain lesions, identifying and sparing eloquent cortical components and their subcortical connections. Potential clinical application of this technique is discussed.

Adolescent↗

[First steps in neuronavigation].

INTRODUCTION: We try to evaluate the introduction of a neuronavigation system widely used in a neurosurgical department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyze the surgical procedures performed since the introduction of a neuronavigator in our hospital, the advantages and the problems related with its use. RESULTS: From 21/12/00 to 31/12/01, 64 cranial and 5 spinal procedures were performed in our centre with the aid of the BrainLAB neuronavigation system. They were 19.37% of the elective surgeries: 45.7% of cranial and 2.8% of spinal procedures. The accuracy of registration was 1.6 mm; the number of trials for registration was 2.8 on average, although in 3 cases it was not possible; there were disarrangements during 9 surgical procedures (two of them after the lesions were reached). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used in 54 instances, computerized tomography (CT) in 5, fluoroscopy (Rx) in 1, CT plus MRI in 8, CT plus Rx in 1. Since Z-Touch localization system and software was available, it was used exclusively, disregarding the use of external fiducials. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, neuronavigation needs extra time, but it helps in the election of the best position for the surgical approach, reduces the time required for scalp incision and craniotomy planning, and is useful for the opening of the dura and the corticectomy. As the operation proceeds, we found it less truhstworthy and necessary. The Z-touch system frees the imaging from the surgery. Its use in spinal operation is scarce and with limited results in our practice. We found the neuronavigation useful, and we employ it on a regular basis in every cranial procedure whenever it is possible.

Humans↗

Three-dimensionally reconstructed magnetic source imaging and neuronavigation in pediatric epilepsy: technical note.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of reconstructing three-dimensional magnetic source imaging (MSI) data on cortical resections for children undergoing epilepsy surgery using neuronavigation. METHODS: Magnetoencephalographic recordings were analyzed in 16 children under 18 years of age with intractable epilepsy. The data were transferred to the neuronavigation workstation for intraoperative localization of MSI spike sources in selected patients. With the aid of neuronavigation, the MSI spike sources were resected. Intraoperative electrocorticography was then used to survey the surrounding field for residual epileptiform activity. RESULTS: MSI spike sources were obtained in 13 of 16 patients. MSI spike sources localized the cortical and subcortical discharges before intraoperative electrocorticography in nine patients and before extraoperative subdural grid electroencephalographic monitoring in four patients. The localization of MSI spikes sources was characterized by clustered spike sources in 10 patients. By use of neuronavigation, the clustered spike sources were correlated to the interictal zone indicated by intraoperative electrocorticography in six patients and to the ictal onset zone shown on extraoperative subdural grid electroencephalography in three patients. Cortical excision of the spike cluster focus was then performed in these six patients. The technique used here to resect MSI spike source clusters that correlate with the ictal onset zone by invasive subdural grid monitoring is illustrated in one patient who underwent cortical resection for epilepsy surgery. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional reconstruction of MSI data linked to neuronavigation is a promising technique to facilitate resections around eloquent cortex in children with epilepsy.

Adolescent↗

Combined use of tractography-integrated functional neuronavigation and direct fiber stimulation.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was better preoperative planning and direct application to intraoperative procedures through accurate coregistration of diffusion-tensor (DT) imaging-based tractography results and anatomical three-dimensional magnetic resonance images and subsequent importation of the combined images to a neuronavigation system (functional neuronavigation). METHODS: Six patients with brain lesions adjacent to the corticospinal tract (CST) were studied. During surgery, direct fiber stimulation was used to evoke motor responses to confirm the accuracy of CST depicted on functional neuronavigation. In three patients, stimulation of the supposed CST elicited the expected motor evoked potentials. In the other three, stimulation at the resection borders more than 1 cm away from the supposed CST showed no motor response. All patients underwent appropriate tumor resection with preservation of the CST. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of the DT imaging-based tractography information into a traditional neuronavigation system demonstrated spatial relationships between lesions and the CST, allowing for the avoidance of tract injury during lesion resection. Direct fiber stimulation was used for real-time reliable white matter mapping, which served to adjust for any discrepancy between the neuronavigation system data and potentially shifted positions of the brain structures. The combination of these techniques enabled the authors to identify accurate positions of the CST during surgery and to accomplish optimal tumor resections.

Adult↗

Frameless neuronavigation applied to endoscopic neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively analyzed the indications, surgical techniques, and applicability of frameless neuronavigation to endoscopic procedures in a heterogeneous group of 15 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 8 patients indications for surgery were cystic lesions, in 3 patients intraventricular tumors, and in 4 patients occlusive hydrocephalus. The mean age was 39 years (range 9-76 years). The follow-up period ranged from 5-24 months (mean 10 months). Frameless neuronavigation was accomplished with the "operating arm system" in 10 cases and with the "optical tracking system" in 5 cases (RADIONICS, Burlington, USA). RESULTS: In all 15 cases, neuronavigation sufficiently provided anatomical orientation, preoperative planning, and intraoperative realization of the approach. The calculated mean calibration error was 2.1 mm. There have been no permanent morbidities and no mortalities related to the use of endoscopes and neuronavigation. CONCLUSION: In endoscopic neurosurgery, frameless neuronavigation is a useful tool in planning and realizing the approach and improving intraoperative orientation in selected cases. Indications are small or hidden lesions, impaired visual conditions, abnormal anatomy, and narrow ventricles. Endoscopic procedures include fenestration and resection of intraventricular or intraparenchymal cysts, biopsy of intraventricular tumors, and third ventriculostomy in selected cases.

Adolescent↗

BrainLab VectorVision Neuronavigation System: technology and clinical experiences in 131 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The BrainLab VectorVision neuronavigation system was used in 131 cases of different brain pathological conditions. The neuronavigation system was used without problems in 125 cases. These cases included 114 microsurgical operations, 4 endoscopic procedures, 4 frameless stereotactic biopsies, and 3 catheter placements. METHODS: The BrainLab VectorVision neuronavigation system is an intraoperative, image-guided, frameless, localization system. The system consists of a computer workstation for registration of images and physical spaces, an intraoperative localization device, and a computer image display. The system provides real-time responses regarding the locations of surgical instruments. VectorVision is based on passive reflections of infrared flashes. Universal adapters with reflective markers for surgical instruments, endoscopes, and the operating microscope are used. RESULTS: In six cases, the system could not be used because of system failure or mishandling. In 125 neurosurgical cases, the neuronavigation system was useful, with a target-localizing accuracy of 4+/-1.4 mm (mean+/-standard deviation). For small cerebral lesions, we never performed an exploration with negative results. CONCLUSION: The BrainLab neuronavigation system has been shown to be very helpful and user-friendly for routine neurosurgical interventions. Its advantage lies in its mobility, based on wireless reflective adapters for surgical instruments, endoscopes, and the operating microscope.

Biopsy↗

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging combined with neuronavigation: a new concept.

OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative image data may be used not only to evaluate the extent of a tumor resection but also to update neuronavigation, compensating for brain shift. To date, however, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be combined only with navigation microscopes that are separated from the magnetic field, thus requiring time-consuming intraoperative patient transport. To help solve this problem, we investigated whether a new navigation microscope can be used within the fringe field of the MRI scanner. METHODS: The navigation microscope was placed at the 5-G line of a 0.2 MRI device. Patients were positioned lying down directly on the table of the scanner, with their heads placed approximately 1.5 m from the center of the magnet, fixed in an MRI-compatible ceramic head holder. Standard operating instruments were used. For intraoperative imaging, we slid the table into the center of the magnet in less than 30 seconds. RESULTS: By use of this setup, we operated on 22 patients. In all patients, anatomic neuronavigation could be used in combination with intraoperative MRI. In addition, in 12 patients, functional data from magnetoencephalographic or functional MRI studies were integrated, resulting in functional neuronavigation. We did not encounter adverse effects of the low magnetic field during navigation. Moreover, intraoperative imaging was not disturbed by the navigation microscope and vice versa. CONCLUSION: Functional neuronavigation and intraoperative MRI can be used essentially simultaneously without the need for lengthy intraoperative patient transport. The combination of intraoperative imaging with functional neuronavigation offers the opportunity for more radical resections and fewer complications.

Adolescent↗

Neuronavigation by intraoperative three-dimensional ultrasound: initial experience during brain tumor resection.

OBJECTIVE: Three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound is an intraoperative imaging modality used in neuronavigation as an alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This article summarizes 4 years of clinical experience in the use of intraoperative 3-D ultrasound integrated into neuronavigation for guidance in brain tumor resection. METHODS: Patients were selected for inclusion in the study on the basis of the size and location of their lesion. Preoperative 3-D MRI data were registered and used for planning as in other conventional neuronavigation systems. Intraoperative 3-D ultrasound images were acquired three to six times, and tumor resection was guided on the basis of these updated 3-D images. RESULTS: Intraoperative 3-D ultrasound represents a good solution to the problem of brain shift in neuronavigation because it easily provides an updated, and hence more accurate, map of the patient's true anatomy in all phases of the operation. Ultrasound makes it possible to follow the progression of the operation, and it improves the radicality of tumor resection by detecting tumor tissue that would remain if the imaging technology had not been used (in 53% of the cases). Integration of 3-D ultrasound with navigation technology solves the orientation problem experienced previously with two-dimensional ultrasound in neurosurgery. The technology makes it possible to directly compare intraoperative ultrasound and MRI data regarding visualization of the lesion. Ultrasound image quality is useful for guiding surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative 3-D ultrasound seems to provide a time- and cost-effective way to update high-quality 3-D maps used in neuronavigation.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Ultrasound-controlled neuronavigator-guided brain surgery.

The development of a unique neurosurgical navigator is described and a preliminary series of seven cases of intracerebral lesions approached with the assistance of this neuronavigation system under ultrasound control is presented. The clinical series included five low-grade astrocytomas, one chronic intracerebral hematoma, and one porencephalic cyst. Management procedures included biopsy in all cases, drainage of the hematoma, and endoscopy and fenestration for the cyst. The features of the neuronavigation system are interactive reconstructions of preoperative computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data, corresponding intraoperative ultrasound images, versatility of the interchangeable end-effector instruments, graphic presentation of instruments on the reconstructed images, and voice control of the system. The principle of a common axis in the reconstructed images served to align the navigational pointer, biopsy guide, endoscope guide, ultrasound transducer, and surgical microscope to the brain anatomy. Intraoperative ultrasound imaging helped to verify the accuracy of the neuronavigator and check the results of the procedures. The arm of the neuronavigation system served as a holder for instruments, such as the biopsy guide, endoscope guide, and ultrasound transducer, in addition to functioning as a navigational pointer. Also, the surgical microscope was aligned with the neuronavigator for inspection and biopsy of the hematoma capsule to rule out tumor etiology. Voice control freed the neurosurgeon from manual exercises during start-up and calibration of the system.

Adult↗

Functional cranial neuronavigation. Direct integration of fMRI and PET data.

OBJECTIVE: We report our first experiences with the direct integration of fMRI data into cranial neuronavigation. METHOD: For navigation we used the MKM system and thin-sliced T1 contrast enhanced images. As a first step 21 patients had fMRI for localization of the precentral gyrus, 2 patients for Broca area detection. By anatomical correlation, these functional data were indirectly compared to the intraoperative findings using cortical SSEP (n=20) or cortical stimulation (n=3). Encouraged by these preliminary results, we started the direct integration of fMRI into neuronavigation in June 1999, followed by PET in January 2000, enabling us to compare functional images with intraoperative findings directly. fMRI and PET data were integrated by landmark matching referring on skin fiducials. Meanwhile, fMRI data of 8 patients (6 motorcortex, 2 Broca) and PET images of 1 patient were directly integrated into neuronavigation. Six out of 8 patients had additional cortical monitoring, 2/8 were exclusively operated on by functional neuronavigation. RESULTS: Using indirect comparison between fMRI and intraoperative findings we observed a good correlation in every case for the motorcortex, but only in 1/2 for the speech area. In all 6 direct integrated fMRI cases, these findings corresponded well to the conventional ones. Both patients with sole functional navigation did not have any postoperative neurological deficit. The inaccuracy of the fMRI ifT1 matching was 2. 7 mm (sigma=0.9 mm) and 1.3 mm (sigma=0.4 mm) of the subsequent referenciation of the navigation. The tumor delinement shown by 11C-methionine PET could be proven by intraoperative biopsy outside its indicated tumor margin. The inaccuracy of the PET matching was 0. 8 mm. CONCLUSION: Functional neuronavigation enables to visualize and preserve relevant brain areas. Other functional areas like short-term memory, which solely can be detected by fMRI might also be monitored in the future. The integration of PET data expect to gain a better differentiation of tumor and edema.

Adult↗

[The importance of neuronavigation in endoscopic operations in neurosurgery].

Intracranial endoscopy as minimal invasive surgery for the treatment of hydrocephalus and intracranial cysts cannot be disregarded after 10 years of clinical practicing. The advantages are low traumatization of brain tissue and good visual control of the operation field. Neuronavigation qualifies as a method of increased operation safety for lesions which are deep seated or difficult to access. A combination of both systems partially neutralizes the respective disadvantages. On the one hand, the neuronavigation ensures the endoscopic approach up to the intracranial caverns and especially supports the endoscopy in cases of bad vision or pathologic anatomy. Endoscopy, on the other hand, enables the surgeon to recognize discrepancies and mistakes of the neuronavigation due to optical control. Increased expenses and time and staff requirements are counterbalanced by the increased cumulated operation safety. An advantageous side-effect of the combination of neuronavigation and intracranial endoscopy is the high learning potential for assistants. For all these reasons the application of neuronavigation in intracranial endoscopy is considered very important and strongly recommended.

Brain↗

Functional neuronavigation and intraoperative MRI.

Our concept of computer assisted surgery is based on the combination of intraoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with microscope-based neuronavigation, providing anatomical and functional guidance simultaneously. Intraoperative imaging evaluates the extent of a resection, while the additional use of functional neuronavigation, which displays the position of eloquent brain areas in the operative field, prevents increasing neurological deficits, which would otherwise result from extended resections. Up to mid 2001 we performed intraoperative MR imaging using a low-field 0.2 Tesla scanner in 330 patients. The main indications were the evaluation of the extent of resection in gliomas, pituitary tumours, and in epilepsy surgery. Intraoperative MR imaging proved to serve as intraoperative quality control with the possibility of an immediate modification of the surgical strategy, i.e. extension of the resection. Integrated use of functional neuronavigation prevented increased neurological deficits. Compared to routine pre- or postoperative imaging being performed with high-Tesla machines, intraoperative image quality and sequence spectrum could not compete. This led to the development of the concept to adapt a high-field MR scanner to the operating environment, preserving the benefits of using standard microsurgical equipment and microscope-based neuronavigational guidance with integrated functional data, which was successfully implemented by April 2002. Up to the end of 2002, 95 patients were investigated with the new setup. Improved image quality, intraoperative workflow, as well as enhanced sophisticated intraoperative imaging possibilities are the major benefits of the high-field setup.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Neuronavigation and surgery of intracerebral tumours.

Approximately four decades after the successful clinical introduction of framebased stereotactic neurosurgery by Spiegel and Wycis, frameless stereotaxy emerged to enable more elaborate image guidance in open neurosurgical procedures. Frameless stereotaxy, or neuronavigation, relies on one of several different localizing techniques to determine the position of an operative instrument relative to the surgical field, without the need for a coordinate frame rigidly fixed to the patients' skull. Currently, most systems are based on the optical triangulation of infrared light sources fixed to the surgical instrument. In its essence, a navigation system is a three-dimensional digitiser that correlates its measurements to a reference data set, i.e. a preoperatively acquired CT or MRI image stack. This correlation is achieved through a patient-to-image registration procedure resulting in a mathematical transformation matrix mapping each position in 'world space' onto 'image space'. Thus, throughout the remainder of the surgical procedure, the position of the surgical instrument can be demonstrated on a computer screen, relative to the CT or MRI images. Though neuronavigation has become a routinely used addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium, its impact on surgical results has not yet been examined sufficiently. Therefore, the surgeon is left to decide on a case-by-case basis whether to perform surgery with or without neuronavigation. Future challenges lie in improvement of the interface between the surgeon and the neuronavigator and in reducing the brainshift error, i.e. inaccuracy introduced by changes in tissue positions after image acquisition.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Neuronavigation and complication rate in epilepsy surgery.

The role of neuronavigation for complications in temporal lobe epilepsy surgery was evaluated. Thirty-seven patients operated on with neuronavigation (group N: 38 operations; mean age 33.9 years; etiology: cryptogenetic 31, symptomatic 7; lateralization: 22 right, 16 left) and 22 patients operated on without neuronavigation (group NN: 23 operations; mean age 29.7 years; etiology: cryptogenetic 9, symptomatic 14; lateralization: 13 right; 10 left) were analyzed. The minimal follow-up time was 2 years. There was a clear difference in the number of complications (N 7.9%; NN 21.7%), which consisted of hemiparesis (N: 1; NN: 2), cranial nerve palsy (N: 1; NN: 2), aphasia (N: 1; NN: 0), and postoperative infection (N: 0; NN: 1). In addition, there was a reduced need for temporal re-resection after intraoperative electrocorticography (N 30.6%; NN 47.1%). Operation time (N: 239+/-9.4 min; NN: 208+/-12.1 min), duration of postoperative in-hospital and in-ICU stay [N: 16.9+/-1.1 days (1.0+/-0.0 days); NN: 17.2+/-2.8 days (1.1+/-0.1 days)], extension of temporal lobe resection from polar (N: 41.2+/-1.5 cm; NN: 42.9+/-3.9 cm), and postoperative seizure frequency reduction (N 90.4%; NN 94.7%) were not different. Because of the trend towards a reduction of complications and re-resections after electrocorticography, the authors recommend neuronavigation despite its higher costs as an additional tool in epilepsy surgery.

Adolescent↗

Frameless image-guided neuronavigation in orbital surgery: practical applications.

Frameless neuronavigation has been increasingly used in intracranial and spinal neurosurgery. However, the application of neuronavigation in orbital surgery has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether frameless navigation in the orbit provides sufficient clinical application accuracy and thus a useful tool in orbital surgery. A frameless infrared-based neuronavigation system (VectorVision, BrainLAB, Heimstetten, Germany) was used in the microsurgical removal of 11 orbital tumors (five cavernomas, three lymphomas, two dermoid tumors, and one rhabdomyosarcoma). The transconjunctival approach was performed in seven cases, lateral orbitotomy in three cases, and the extradural pterional approach was performed in one case. The surgery was successful and without any complications in all cases. The registration accuracy of the neuronavigation was between 1.8 and 2.2 mm, with a mean of 1.9 mm. Subtotal tumor debulking was performed in one case with lymphoma. One patient was only biopsied due to suspected systemic lymphoma disease. Total removal of the tumor could be accomplished in the other nine patients. Image guidance during orbital surgery offered excellent three-dimensional guidance on the surface of the intraorbital lesions, allowing a safer, more controlled surgery. The surgical targets in the orbit are fixed structures, thus no shifting occurs and continuous high intraoperative navigation accuracy can be achieved. The use of the navigation clearly reduces the operative risk and increases the effectiveness of microsurgical orbital procedures.

Adult↗

Clinical application of a neuronavigation system in transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary macroadenoma.

The utility of a neuronavigation system in the transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary macroadenoma was evaluated, and improvement of the surgical outcome is discussed. From 1997 to 2003, a total of 63 patients (male:female=41:22, mean age 58.3 years) with pituitary macroadenoma were treated surgically via transsphenoidal approach using a neuronavigation system in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Image data for computed tomography or magnetic resonance were obtained and analyzed by the navigation system to make a three-dmensional reconstruction. During the operation, the tumor and its surrounding structures of the sellar region could be located accurately at any time. Among these cases, the tumors were removed totally in 26 cases (41.3%), subtotally in 36 cases (57.1%) and partially in one case (1.6%). Postoperative neurological complications occurred in 15 cases (23.8%). One patient died, the operative mortality was 1.6%. During the operation, the accuracy of the neuronavigation system was 2.3+/-1.1 mm. The neuronavigation system is quite helpful for transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary macroadenoma. Its accuracy of location is very useful and important in determining anatomical structure and protecting normal tissues and vessels. Moreover, fluoroscopy was not required during the surgery.

Adenoma↗