[Microsurgical resection of small brain tumor processes with stereotactic control]

From 1986 we have operated upon 13 patients with small neoplasms localised deep intracerebrally or subcortically in the central region with stereotactic guidance. Exact localisation of the tumour was one aim, whereas another one was to avoid damaging functionally important structures. In the first two patients we performed stereotactic marking of the tumour after craniotomy. The following procedure was found to be particularly useful: - determination of the tumour coordinates and planning of the approach - approach by means of a stereotactically guided probe, if necessary biopsy - stereotactically guided introduction of the leading catheter - removal of the stereotactic frame and bedding of the patient - craniotomy and microsurgical resection of the tumour This surgical procedure may be performed in one or two separate sessions. The accuracy of microsurgical tumour resection achieved by stereotactic means resulted in a remarkable reduction of postoperative neurological deficits.