Stereotactic biopsy for intracranial space occupying lesions: Experience in a referral hospital in Mexico

Abstract

Background: Stereotactic brain biopsy (SBB) is used for establishing the histological diagnosis of intracranial lesions that are not amenable for a direct surgical approach. Objective: The objective of the study was to describe our experience having an evaluation of the biopsy sample by a neuropathologist during SBB. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of 140 consecutive patients who underwent SBB between 2014 and 2018 in whom trans-operatory analysis of the sample was performed. Results: There were 56% men. The mean age was 45 years. Histological diagnosis was performed in 131 of 140 patients (94% overall diagnostic yield). The presurgical radiological diagnosis was correct in 39%. Neoplastic lesions were reported in 108 cases, and 32 were non-neoplastic. We performed craniotomy and resection after biopsy in 14%. We found complications in 6% of patients. Conclusions: SBB continues to be a safe, useful, and inexpensive procedure. The diagnostic performance of SBB increases when intraoperative cytological evaluation by a neuropathologist is included in the study.