[Surgical anatomy of the insular cortex]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Anatomical studies
• Surgical oncology

Context:

• The insular cortex is a complex brain region challenging to access surgically.
• Glial tumors of the insula require precise surgical navigation.
• Understanding the surgical anatomy is key for effective tumor resection.

Purpose:

• To investigate the surgical anatomy of the insular cortex.
• To analyze the morphology and vascularization of the insula for surgical approaches.
• To identify safe anatomical boundaries for resecting insular glial tumors.

Summary:

• The study analyzed 18 anatomical specimens to map the insula and adjacent opercula.
• Morphological and vascular features were examined for transsylvian and transcortical approaches.
• The transcortical approach provides a wider surgical corridor and better visualization for superior insular tumors compared to the transsylvian approach.

Impact:

• Detailed anatomical knowledge aids intraoperative landmark identification.
• Facilitates selection of the optimal surgical approach for insular region pathologies.
• Enhances surgical planning and outcomes for patients with insular glial tumors.