Volumetric stereotactic resection of superficial and deep seated intraaxial brain lesions.

From 1984 to 1989 a total of 374 computer-assisted stereotactic resections based on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were performed on 337 supratentorial and 37 infratentorial brain lesions. Computer-assisted stereotactic volumetric resection allows a more aggressive extirpation of tumours with less damaging of the adjacent brain tissue. This procedure is of most benefit in deep seated circumscribed lesions and of less benefit in infiltrating tumours such as high grade gliomas and in fibrillary astrocytomas located in essential brain areas.