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Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Image-Guided Resection of Glioblastoma and Intracranial Implantation of Therapeutic Stem Cell-seeded Scaffolds
Published on: July 16, 2018
Image-Guided Brain Surgery
Stephanie Schipmann-Miletić1, Walter Stummer2
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149, Münster, Germany. Stephanie.schipmann@ukmuenster.de.
Abstract:
In neurosurgery, the extent of resection plays a critical role, especially in the management of malignant gliomas. These tumors are characterized through a diffuse infiltration into the surrounding brain parenchyma. Delineation between tumor and normal brain parenchyma can therefore often be challenging. During the recent years, several techniques, aiming at better intraoperative tumor visualization, have been developed and implemented in the field of brain tumor surgery. In this chapter, we discuss current strategies for intraoperative imaging in brain tumor surgery, comprising conventional techniques such as neuronavigation, techniques using fluorescence-guided surgery, and further highly precise developments such as targeted fluorescence spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy.
Insights
Accurate intraoperative imaging is crucial for neurosurgery, particularly for malignant gliomas. New techniques like fluorescence-guided surgery and spectroscopy improve tumor visualization beyond conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Extent of resection is critical in malignant glioma management.
- Diffuse tumor infiltration complicates delineation between tumor and normal brain tissue.
- Accurate intraoperative visualization is essential for effective neurosurgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss current intraoperative imaging strategies in brain tumor surgery.
- To highlight advancements in tumor visualization techniques.
- To provide an overview of technologies aiding neurosurgeons.
Main Methods:
- Review of conventional neurosurgical imaging techniques, including neuronavigation.
- Discussion of fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) for enhanced tumor visualization.
- Exploration of advanced spectroscopic methods like targeted fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Conventional techniques like neuronavigation offer foundational guidance.
- Fluorescence-guided surgery significantly improves the visualization of tumor margins.
- Advanced techniques such as targeted fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy provide highly precise molecular-level insights.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative imaging is rapidly evolving, offering neurosurgeons enhanced tools.
- Advanced visualization techniques are crucial for maximizing tumor resection and improving patient outcomes in neurosurgery.
- The integration of these technologies promises to revolutionize brain tumor surgery.
