Transcerebellar biopsy of diffuse pontine gliomas in children: a technical note.
BACKGROUND
The need for a surgical biopsy for diffuse pontine glioma (DPG) is increasing, and a safer and less invasive procedure is required.


METHODS
We describe a transcerebellar stereotactic biopsy procedure that can be safely performed in young children. Four pediatric patients with DPG underwent transcerebellar stereotactic biopsies.


RESULTS
All of the patients were diagnosed with gliomas, and one patient had a transient numbness of the lip margin after the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Transcerebellar stereotactic biopsy is a relatively safe way to obtain a tissue diagnosis for children with DPG.
Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, 110-744 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Ji Hoon
JH
Phi
Hyun-Tai
HT
Chung
Kyu-Chang
KC
Wang
Seul Ki
SK
Ryu
Seung-Ki
SK
Kim
D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*