Oblique Positioning of the Stereotactic Frame for Biopsies of Cerebellar and Brainstem Lesions

Abstract

Background: Frame-based stereotactic biopsy has proven to be a safe procedure with a high diagnostic yield for patients. Different supratentorial localizations can easily be accessed by standardized stereotactic approaches. Cerebellar and brainstem lesions, however, are not easy to reach because the positioning of the frame pins often makes it impossible to address the entry point properly.

Methods: By oblique positioning of the frame, cerebellar and brainstem lesions also can easily be accessed to take tissue samples.

Conclusion: Modification of the standardized positioning of the frame allows for safe and straightforward stereotactic access even to cerebellar and brainstem lesions.

Keywords: Brainstem lesion; Cerebellar lesion; Children; Diagnostic procedure; Exact diagnosis; Frame-guided; Ponsglioma; Postoperative treatment; Stereotactic biopsy; Tumor tissue.