Diagnosis and treatment of solid brainstem tumors in adults.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnosis and aggressive surgical approach for brainstem tumors.


METHODS
A series of 24 adult patients with brainstem tumors were involved. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed on all patients. Surgical technique, potential risk and management of complications were described.


RESULTS
Diagnosis was confirmed by MR imaging and histological examination in all the patients. Tumors were totally or subtotally removed in twenty-two patients. Signs and symptoms were improved in 19 patients on discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows that MR imaging has an important value for localizing tumors, identifying their nature and selecting appropriate surgical approaches. Most brainstem tumors, except for high-grade gliomas and small ventral tumors, are amenable to an aggressive surgical approach. The favorable results depend upon the appropriate surgical approach, microsurgical technique and intensive care after operation. Total removal can provide both high-quality survival and favorable long-term prognosis.
Xu
Q
Q
Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Shanghai Medical University, China.
Bao
W
W
Mao
R
R
D000328:Adult; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D001933:Brain Stem; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D018325:Hemangioblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006392:Hemangioma, Cavernous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy