Neuronavigation and electrocorticography monitoring in resection of eloquent brain glioma: analysis in 36 cases

Objective To investigate the effects and significance of neuronavigation and electrocorticography monitoring in resection of eloquent brain glioma. Methods Thirty-six cases with intracranial tumors accepted microneurosurgery resection under neuronavigation and electrocorticography monitoring. The clinical data and postoperative outcome were analyzed. Results The mean registration error was (2.0 ±0. 5)mm in all operations and all skin flaps and bone windows designed by neuronavigation could fit the operation demands. Total resectin of the tumor was achieved in 31 cases and subtotal resection in 5 cases. Neurological symptoms improved and no severe complications or death happened in all patients. Conclusion Neuronavigation combined with electrocorticography monitoring can accurately locate the eloquent glioma and retrieve the brain shift. This method is a real-time technique and has functional test ability. It can improve the total removal rate and decrease the mortality and disabled rate. Key words: Glioma;  Microneurosurgery;  Neuronavigation;  Eloquent brain region; Electrocorticography