[The CT-stereotaxic biopsy of brain tumors]

CT-stereotaxic biopsy is a modern method for the diagnosis of intracranial tumors. The histological diagnosis established by means of it makes it possible to choose the most rational tactics of treatment and determine more exactly the indications and contraindications for the operation. The examination was conducted on 219 patients with various brain tumors. Authentic histological information was obtained in 84% of cases, 4 patients died, a stable neurological defect developed in another 2 patients. Some methodical procedures for increasing the informativeness and reducing the risk of complications are discussed. An important component is rapid examination of part of the bioptic material by means of smears for intraoperative appraisal of its representativeness and correction of biopsy targets. Among 73 cases in which smears were examined only in 9 the findings were in disagreement with the data of the traditional histologic study, only in the degree of tumor differentiation in all of them. Stereotaxic biopsy is most expedient in situations in which the tactics and main method of treatment are determined to a greater degree by the histological structure rather than by the localization and the patient's general condition. Such cases account for one fourth of all cases of intracerebral tumors.