[Neuroimaging to Understand Surgical Anatomy]

Recent advances in neuroimaging have made radiological evaluations indispensable for preoperative assessment and surgical planning in the field of neurosurgery. Recent improvements in imaging resolution and three-dimensional visualization now allow the detailed anatomical structures encountered during surgery to be recognized preoperatively. This enables e design of surgical approaches, avoidance of critical neurovascular structures, and function-preserving strategies. In this chapter, imaging modalities are organized according to the major anatomical structures relevant to the surgical anatomy, including the bone structures, cerebrospinal fluid spaces, arteries, perforating arteries, veins, venous sinuses, and white matter fiber tracts. The advantages and limitations of each modality are discussed, together with their practical applications in tumor and vascular surgeries. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of multimodal images. When combined with a thorough understanding of anatomy, these imaging datasets facilitate three-dimensional reconstruction and interpretation of complex anatomical relationships. Recent developments in 3D reconstruction and fusion imaging technologies have made preoperative simulations increasingly accessible, providing valuable educational opportunities, particularly for young neurosurgeons. Integrating anatomical knowledge with multimodal imaging interpretation improves the intraoperative orientation and contributes to safer and more reliable surgical outcomes.