Stereotactic techniques in the management of cerebral neoplasms

Stereotactic devices are being used by neurosurgeons for the diagnosis and treatment of both primary and metastatic brain tumors. Although stereotactic surgery has been performed for over forty years, a resurgence in its use, especially for the management of such anatomically definable lesions as brain tumors, has come about due to the wide availability of computerized imaging of the brain and the almost natural adaptability of stereotaxy to these diagnostic modalities. Stereotactic surgery is now being performed in over 100 centers throughout the United States. The author explains the basic principles of stereotaxy and discusses the broad range of its uses in the management of brain tumors.