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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Intraoperative imaging techniques for glioma surgery
Tomas Garzon-Muvdi1, Carmen Kut2, Xingde Li2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Abstract:
Gliomas are CNS neoplasms that infiltrate the surrounding brain parenchyma, complicating their treatment. Tools that increase extent of resection while preventing neurological deficit are essential to improve prognosis of patients diagnosed with gliomas. Tools such as intraoperative MRI, ultrasound and fluorescence-guided microsurgery have been used in the surgical resection of CNS gliomas with the goal of maximizing extent of resection to improve patient outcomes. In addition, emerging experimental techniques, for example, optical coherence tomography and Raman spectroscopy are promising techniques which could 1 day add to the increasing armamentarium used in the surgical resection of CNS gliomas. Here, we present the potential advantages and limitations of these imaging techniques for the purposes of identifying gliomas in the operating room.
Insights
Advanced imaging tools aid in glioma surgery by improving tumor identification and resection extent. Techniques like intraoperative MRI and emerging methods such as optical coherence tomography enhance surgical precision for better patient outcomes in glioma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Gliomas are brain tumors that infiltrate brain tissue, making surgical treatment challenging.
- Maximizing tumor resection while preserving neurological function is critical for improving glioma patient prognosis.
- Current surgical approaches for gliomas utilize tools like intraoperative MRI, ultrasound, and fluorescence-guided microsurgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advantages and limitations of various intraoperative imaging techniques for glioma identification.
- To discuss the role of established and emerging technologies in enhancing surgical resection of gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Review of established intraoperative imaging modalities (MRI, ultrasound, fluorescence-guided surgery).
- Discussion of emerging experimental techniques (optical coherence tomography, Raman spectroscopy).
- Analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks of each technique in the operating room setting.
Main Results:
- Intraoperative MRI, ultrasound, and fluorescence-guided microsurgery are valuable tools for increasing glioma resection extent.
- Emerging techniques like optical coherence tomography and Raman spectroscopy show promise for future glioma surgery.
- Each imaging modality presents unique advantages and limitations that must be considered for optimal application.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing surgical resection of gliomas requires advanced intraoperative imaging tools.
- Established and emerging imaging technologies can significantly improve the identification and resection of gliomas.
- Careful consideration of the benefits and limitations of each technique is essential for improving glioma surgical outcomes.
