Surgical approach to large thalamic gliomas

Fifteen cases of large thalamic gliomas were treated by laser surgery and CUSA under X8 magnification and subsequently they were subjected to radiotherapy. More than 50% of the tumours were located in the dominant hemisphere and therefore an interhemispheric approach was carried out to avoid disturbances of speech and field defects. Nine patients had astrocytomas grade II and the remaining six had astrocytomas grades III-IV. The quality and survival has been gratifying in the less malignant gliomas. The operative technique and use of Laser and CUSA is highlighted.