Postoperative imaging after brain tumor resection

Prognosis after surgery for a brain tumor is not only influenced by its histology but also by the completeness of resection. The exact identification of a possible residual tumor is crucial also for follow-up and the purpose of evaluation of response to treatment. A review of the current and past literature addressing the individual value, the technique, and the pitfalls of postoperative imaging with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) for the definition of a postoperative residue after the resection of brain tumors is given. The different problems and possibilities are illustrated by imaging examples.