Ultrasound intraoperative examination of brain tumors

Determination of brain tumor localization and boundaries after trepanation, as well as detection of residual tissue in the area of surgical intervention remain important tasks of intraoperative diagnostics. This article presents a review of international experience with intraoperative ultrasound navigation (IOUSI) in comparison with other methods such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorescence navigation. Analysis of randomized trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses showed that the efficacy of each modality, including MRI, depends on the extent of tumor resection. Incomplete excision of malignant tumors may lead to continued tumor growth. IOUSI in brain tumor resection has shown high efficacy comparable to intraoperative MRI. At the same time, IOUSI has advantages such as being performed directly in the operating room and shorter duration of the study. The comparative analysis of total brain tumor resection with the use of IOUSI and new imaging methods presented in the reviewed articles demonstrates higher efficiency of IOUSI. The authors of the reviewed studies note that IOUSI is an effective method of navigation, contributing to the accuracy of tumor removal and reducing the risk of complications.