Stereotactic volumetric resection of gliomas

The aim of stereotactic volumetric resection of intrinsic brain tumors at the time of design of the method was a most radical and complete resection of all tumor tissue while reducing morbidity by using minimally invasive approaches. This should also using the precision and accuracy of stereotaxis allow for resection of deep-seated tumors previously believed to be unresectable. Numerous retrospective studies have been performed and have shown that radical resection is feasible using this methodology and even so in eloquent brain areas. Whereas in malignant gliomas there is no proof of increased survival or time-to-progression after stereotactic volumetric resection quite favourable results have been obtained in deep-seated low grade gliomas. What the actual role of this modality is in comparison to other forms of local treatment of circumscribed CNS lesions remains to be open in view of the lack of comparative studies.