Role of neuronavigation in excision of brain tumors

Abstract

In the modern neurosurgical era, neuronavigation plays a vital role in oncologic, stereotactic, and functional neurosurgery. It allows the surgeon to preoperatively plan complex operative approaches, to target deep brain nuclei for biopsy, stimulation, or lesioning, and to individualize the operative plan to each patient’s specific intracranial anatomy. Successful neuronavigation depends upon the principles of accurate and relevant imaging, precise correspondence between images and patient anatomy, and appropriate incorporation of navigational tools into the operative protocol. There are some concerns about navigation systems including time consuming calculation and registration, restriction of space and view inside the operating field, and so on. Nevertheless, there are many advantages that can be helpful in the process of operation. Neuronavigation in brain tumor surgery is still in its infancy, and many neuronavigator systems are just developing into their second generation. New possibilities will open up in the forthcoming years leading neurosurgery to completely new horizons in the treatment of brain tumor patients.