Ultrasonographic and Electrophysiological Adjuncts to Surgery within the Brain Stem

Abstract

The surgical approach to intrinsic lesions within the brain stem is undertaken by the surgeon knowing the potential for significant operative morbidity. We report the use of real-time intraoperative ultrasound and electrophysiological mapping techniques to aid in the localization and resection of an intrinsic brain-stem tumor in a child. These techniques permitted an aggressive surgical approach without encountering adverse postoperative neurological sequelae.