New possibilitys in surgery for brain tumors with intraoperative MRI

In surgery for brain tumors, the main challenge is to resect the tumor completely without causing injury to surrounding structures. Intraoperative MRI can provide updated information on remaining tumor and the relationship to critical brain structures. We report our initial experiences from an intraoperative 3 T MRI suite from a surgical, radiological and anesthesiological perspective. The technique has been useful in treating pediatric brain tumor patients, pituitary tumors, low-grade gliomas and epilepsy surgery patients. Image quality has been comparable to conventional diagnostic MRI and there have been no adverse events from the technique. Team-based training and simulation are key factors to manage this complex technical environment and make intraoperative MRI into a routine procedure.