title: Prospective study on the efficacy of low-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in neurosurgical operations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The application of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) is related to a series of challenges of both a technical and an organizational nature. We present our experience in the application of low-field iMRI in everyday neurosurgical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A group of 58 patients operated on using low-field iMRI was subject to prospective controlled observation. The significance of differences in the range of preparation time, duration and direct operation results between the iMRI group and controls was analysed. The influence of epidemiological and demographic factors and technical aspects related to iMRI application on direct outcome of the surgery was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-eight tumour resections using craniotomy, 17 transsphenoidal resections of pituitary adenomas and 13 stereotactic procedures were conducted in the group of 24 men and 34 women operated on using iMRI. The control group was not significantly different in terms of epidemiological and demographic factors. The preparation and operation times were significantly longer in the iMRI group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Longer duration of the surgery was not related to an increased frequency of complications. A higher percentage of postoperative improvement in neurological status (31% vs. 14%, p = 0.045), lower complication percentage (10% vs. 28%, p = 0.03) and a similar time of hospitalization (13 ± 7 vs. 12 ± 4 days, p = 0.33) were noted in the iMRI group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The application of low-field iMRI prolongs the duration of neurosurgical procedures but does not negatively influence their safety. It is associated with above-average functional results and a lower percentage of total complications.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Neurochirurgii, Akademicki Szpital Kliniczny AM we Wrocławiu, ul. Borowska 213, Wrocław. m.czyz@nch.am.wroc.pl
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Czyż
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tabakow
authors.forename: Bogusława
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lechowicz-Głogowska
authors.forename: Włodzimierz
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jarmundowicz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011044:Poland; D015203:Reproducibility of Results