Intraoperative imaging techniques in the treatment of brain tumors

Despite significant advances in medical imaging techniques and their routine preoperative use, real-time intraoperative information regarding anatomy remains of indisputable importance to neurosurgeons. Intraoperative displacement of the brain tissue caused by surgical retraction or the resection cavity itself, as well as shift caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage, may result in alteration of the surgical anatomy of the lesion and surrounding structures. Neurosurgical navigation methods are beneficial in providing accurate intraoperative information regarding the anatomy of the surgical field. Furthermore, interactive image guidance may decrease incision lengths, operating times, and postoperative morbidity. This review focuses on recent developments in neurosurgical navigational techniques that enable real-time anatomic visualization during brain tumor surgery.