Technologic advances in surgery for brain tumors: Tools of the trade in the modern neurosurgical operating room

Abstract

Surgery is an essential part of the oncologic treatment of patients with brain tumors. Surgery is necessary for histologic diagnosis, and the cytoreduction of tumor mass has been shown to improve patient survival time and quality of life. Ultimately, the goal of any oncologic neurosurgery is to achieve maximal safe resection. Over the years, many technologic adjuncts have been developed to assist the surgeon in achieving this goal. In this article, we review the technologic advances of modern neurosurgery that are helping to reach this goal. © Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.