[Indications for reoperation on brain gliomas]

The present results allow to make the following conclusions: (1) In the case of relapses or progressions of intracranial gliomata, reoperation usually yields unsatisfactory therapeutical results, often leading even to premature death of the patient. (2) Reoperations for intracranial gliomata should be decided individually. Determining their indication are the size, location, and histological character ascertained during the first intervention. Also, it is necessary to give detailed consideration to the results of both scintigraphic and angiographic examinations, which give an idea of the actual size of proliferation. (3) Relapses of malignant and relatively malignant gliomata are not reoperable. (4) Showing a relative capability of treatment by surgical reoperation are relapses of benign gliomata in functionally unimportant regions, which do not affect remote cerebral structures and which are accompanied by intracranial hypertension. (5) Reoperation is absolutely indicated in the case of relapses of spongioblastomata of the cerebellum providing the tumor does not affect the brain-stem.