[Microsurgery techniques for insular glioma]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the microsurgical techniques for insular glioma without damaging its surrounding normal structures.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients with insular gliomas who underwent microsurgical operation by trans-syvian fissure approach between May, 2003 and August, 2008 in Xiangya Hospital. We discussed the techniques in the operation and summarized how to protect the key blood vessels, distinguish and protect the surrounding normal structures.

Results: There were 36 complete removals,14 secondary complete removals, and 4 partial removals.Six patients had complications after the craniotomy who had temporal speech disorder (aphasia mostly began to recover about 10 days after the craniotomy),4 patients had opposite side paralysis worsening (3 recovered normally and 1 improved after 6 months),4 had light paralysis, and another 3 had paralysis and speech disorder.

Conclusion: The microsurgery by means of trans-syvian fissure approach can well expose the anatomical relation between tumor and its surrounding structures,so that we can remove the tumor and protect the surrounding normal tissues as much as we can.