Background: Maximizing surgical resection of medulloblastoma (MB) affects overall survival; nevertheless, surgical resection remains a because of the infiltrative behavior of this tumor. Several dyes have been tested for improving tumor visualization; however, few reports with different protocols of fluorophores use are available and the results are inconsistent. Hence, we report our experience with sodium fluorescein in MB surgery, aiming to assess the role of this technique on the extent of resection. Furthermore, we performed a literature review of this topic.
Methods: Fluorescence characteristics, extent of resection, and clinical outcome were analyzed in 9 consecutively operated patients with MB. A comprehensive literature search and review for English-language articles concerning fluorescein application in MB was conducted.
Results: In our cohort, no side effect related to fluorescein occurred; all tumors presented with an intense or moderate yellow-green enhancement, and fluorescein was judged fundamental in distinguishing tumors from viable tissue in 7 of 9 cases. Gross total resection or near-total resection (i.e., a residual tumor volume <1.5 cm3) was achieved in 8 patients. The review explored the different techniques and surgical interpretations as well as surgical radicality; we did not find a homogenous protocol for fluorescein injection in the published articles. Fluorescence appeared moderate or intense in almost all cases, with a high percentage of usefulness and consensual achievement of a high rate of gross total resection.
Conclusions: Based on these results, we can infer that fluorescein-guided surgical resection is a safe and valuable method for patients with MB.
Keywords: Fluorescence-guided neurosurgery; Gross total resection; Medulloblastoma; Neuro-oncology; Sodium fluorescein; YELLOW 560 filter.
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