Intraoperative ultrasound-assisted neuronavigation for resection of insular gliomas

Objective To explore the clinical value of intraoperative ultrasound and neuronavigation in microneurosurgery for resection of insular gliomas. Methods The clinical materials of 23 cases (13 male and 10 female) with insular gliomas between January 2008 and May 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received microneurosurgery under the guidance of intraoperative ultrasound and (or) neuronavigation. The extent of tumor resection and postoperative neurological deficits were focused on. Results The postoperative imaging showed that total resection of the insular gliomas was achieved in 14 cases, subtotal or partial resection in 9 cases. The tumors were totally removed in 8 of 11 cases in intraoperative ultrasound-assisted neuronavigation group, in 4 of 6 cases in intraoperative ultrasound group and in 2 of 6 cases in neuronavigation group. The postoperative follow-up period had a range of 5 to 52 months (average 22.5 months). The extent of postoperative early and long-term neurological deficits in intraoperative ultrasound-assisted neuronavigation group was lower than that in the other groups. Conclusion The technology of intraoperative ultrasound-assisted neuronavigation for the resection of insular gliomas can help improve the rate of total resection of tumor and increase the safety of surgery. Key words: Insular; Glioma; Intraoperative ultrasound; Neuronavigation