Objective: To report the results of the use of the stereotactic techniques in the management of intra cranial lesions.
Materials and methods: Between july 1994 and march 1998, we carried out 117 stereotactic procedures of whom only 100 cases were analyzed. All the procedures were achieved after a CT scan. Patients were separated in two groups: (A) stereotactic biopsy (91 patients), (B) surgery with laser guidance (9 patients). The mean age in group A was 38 years (2-75 years) versus 27 years (11-66 years) in group B. The sex-ratio was 1.3.
Results: In the group A, the correct pathological diagnosis was obtained in 91.2% of cases. Glial tumors was the frequent histopathological variety of tumor (67.47%). Only one patient was operated after biopsy for a bilateral meningioma of the anterior 1/3 of the falx. There was only one death (1.09%) and 3.29% of transitory complications. In the group B, all patients were operated with laser guidance. Thirty seven per cent of patients underwent radiotherapy after the stereotactic biopsy or surgery.
Conclusion: Stereotactic biopsy is a reliable method for the histopathological diagnosis of deep-seated brain lesions. Surgery with laser guidance is a useful alternative for the management of small deep-seated lesions or lesions located in functional areas.