[Laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT): a minimally invasive neurosurgical treatment option for brain tumours and radiation necrosis].

Laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure in which laser-induced heat is used to ablate target tissue in the brain. The ablation is performed under real-time MRT guidance, enabling the precise treatment of pathological tissue - sometimes following a prior biopsy - whilst sparing the surrounding structures. Today, the main indications for LITT include primary and se-condary brain tumours, epilepsy and radiation necrosis. Compared to conventional open neurosurgical procedures, LITT shortens the hospital stay and offers the possibility of treating patients who are not suitable for open surgery. Indications should be determined on an interdisciplinary basis and are crucial for the success of the treatment. This article summarises the technical procedure as well as the current recommendations for selecting suitable patients and pathologies based on the latest literature.