Background
In recent years, due to increased cranial imaging more and more small sized (diameter <2.5cm) meningiomas are diagnosed. If symptomatic then most of them need surgical removal. Exact location of the lesion is extremely important to tailor the craniotomy especially if the neuro-navigation system is not available. Many under developed countries cannot afford high costs of neuro-navigation. Hence, is relevant to discover low cost associated and effective methods to exactly locate the lesions for the surgery.
Methods
By using localization markers, we can acquire preoperative CT images of the patients, reconstruct these images into Three Dimensional (3D) virtual graphs using a computer, measure the spatial distance of the tumor from the markers, and in turn calculate the projection location of the tumor on the scalp by the Triangle Pythagorean theorem. Thereby achieving preoperative precise localization of intracranial microlesions.
Results
The location of the tumor was consistent with that of the preoperative virtual image, and the craniotomy was exact. The patient was discharged 3 days later without any neurological deficits.
Conclusion
This method is simple and reliable, inexpensive, and accurate in location of small sized lesion, which can partially compensate lack of neuro-navigationand is suitable for widespread application in hospitals in third world countries.