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A High-Throughput Image-Guided Stereotactic Neuronavigation and Focused Ultrasound System for Blood-Brain Barrier Opening in Rodents
Published on: July 16, 2020
Image-guided frameless stereotactic biopsy without intraoperative neuropathological examination
David Shooman1, Antonio Belli, Paul L Grundy
1Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hampshire, UK. shooman@doctors.org.uk
Journal of Neurosurgery
|February 9, 2010
Summary
Image-guided stereotactic biopsy achieves a 99.3% diagnostic yield for brain tumors, making intraoperative neuropathology unnecessary and saving significant costs. This technique offers high accuracy and low complication rates.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Stereotactic biopsy is standard for brain tumor diagnosis.
- Intraoperative neuropathology is often used to improve diagnostic yield.
- Concerns exist regarding intraoperative neuropathology's impact on surgical time and accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity of routine intraoperative neuropathological examination in image-guided stereotactic brain biopsies.
- To assess the diagnostic yield and complication rates of a streamlined biopsy technique.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 134 image-guided stereotactic biopsies using neuronavigation and a side-cutting cannula.
- Multiple biopsy samples taken from 1-4 sites.
- Macroscopic tissue inspection by the surgeon; neuropathological assessment postoperatively.
Main Results:
- A high diagnostic yield of 99.3% was achieved.
- Complications occurred in 2.2% of patients, with no statistically significant increase compared to previous methods.
- Significant cost savings were identified by omitting intraoperative neuropathology.
Conclusions:
- Image-guided stereotactic biopsy provides high diagnostic yield with low morbidity.
- Routine intraoperative neuropathological examination is not necessary for this technique.
- Eliminating intraoperative neuropathology leads to substantial cost savings.

