Advances in neurosurgical technique in the current management of brain tumors

Despite significant advances in anatomical and functional neuroimaging modalities (eg, magnetic resonance [MR] imaging [MRI], MR spectroscopy [MRS], diffusion and perfusion MR, functional MRI [fMRI], magnetic-source imaging [MSI], diffusion tensor imaging [DTI]) and neuronavigation techniques, intraoperatively obtained functional information remains of crucial importance to the neurosurgeon, especially when operating on tumors that are located in or adjacent to functional cortical sites and subcortical pathways. This article focuses on recent advances in the surgical management of of intracerebral tumors with special emphasis on intraoperative cortical and subcortical stimulation mapping methods, and the prognostic significance of surgery on patient outcome.