Surgical management of patients with primary brain tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the diagnostic work-up, intraoperative technologies, postoperative treatment options, and investigational new therapies in patients with malignant brain tumors.


METHODS
Published textbooks and articles and other reference materials.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent improvements in diagnostic and surgical equipment have influenced outcomes and overall quality of life for patients with central nervous system tumors. The ability to more accurately target and more safely remove brain tumors has enhanced the postoperative period and decreased hospital stays. However, malignant neoplasms continue to be refractory to current treatments, necessitating innovative surgical approaches at the time of initial diagnosis and at tumor recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses with an understanding of current diagnostic and surgical treatment modalities for brain tumors are able to provide accurate patient education and comprehensive care, enhancing the overall hospital and outpatient experience.
Bohan
Eileen
E
Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. ebohan@jhmi.edu
Glass-Macenka
Deanna
D
D001706:Biopsy; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome