title: Focal brainstem gliomas. Advances in intra-operative management.
abstract: Improved neuronavigation guidance as well as intraoperative imaging and neurophysiologic monitoring technologies have enhanced the ability of neurosurgeons to resect focal brainstem gliomas. In contrast, diffuse brainstem gliomas are considered to be inoperable lesions. This article is a continuation of an article that discussed brainstem glioma diagnostics, imaging, and classification. Here, we address open surgical treatment of and approaches to focal, dorsally exophytic, and cervicomedullary brainstem gliomas. Intraoperative neuronavigation, intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring, as well as intraoperative imaging are discussed as adjunctive measures to help render these procedures safer, more acute, and closer to achieving surgical goals.
authors: Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, National Neurosciences Institute, King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 (11) 2889999 Ext. 8211, 2305. Fax. +966 (11) 2889999 Ext 1391. E-mail: Abdulrahman.Sabbagh@gmail.com.
authors: Abdulrahman J
authors: AJ
authors: Sabbagh
authors: Ahmed M
authors: AM
authors: Alaqeel
mesh_terms: D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005910:Glioma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D064795:Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000379:methods*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted