Stereotactic biopsy aided by a computer graphics workstation: experience with 200 consecutive cases.
BACKGROUND
The advent of modern computer technology has made it possible to examine not just the target point, but the entire trajectory in planning for stereotactic biopsies.


METHODS
Two hundred consecutive biopsies were performed by one surgeon, utilizing a computer graphics workstation. The target point, entry point, and complete trajectory were carefully scrutinized and adjusted to minimize potential complications.


RESULTS
Pathologically abnormal tissue was obtained in 197 cases (98.5%). There was no mortality in this series. Symptomatic hemorrhages occurred in 4 cases (2%).


CONCLUSIONS
Computer graphics workstations facilitate safe and effective biopsies in virtually any brain area.
Ulm
A J
AJ
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
Bova
F J
FJ
Friedman
W A
WA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003196:Computer Graphics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome