[Intraoperative magnetic resonance tomography. Experiences with its use in neurosurgery]

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging using a 0.2 Tesla, open-configured scanner was applied in a total of 243 patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, clinical application, and indications of this method. No adverse effects of the intraoperative imaging could be observed. The extent of tumor resection could be evaluated in the majority of cases. Resection control in glioma, ventricular tumor, pituitary tumor, and epilepsy surgery were the main indications for the intraoperative application. Especially when combined with functional neuronavigation, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging allowed more radical resectioning with lower morbidity. Second looks to complete tumor removal during the same surgical procedure were possible to determine tumor remnants. Brain shift, which reduces the accuracy of neuronavigational systems, could be compensated for by intraoperative updates.