Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the role of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in the surgical treatment of cerebral gliomas.MethodsThirty patients with primary supratentorial gliomas underwent microsurgery guided by intraoperative real-time ultrasound, IOUS was utilized for localization and delineation of the tumor as well as determination of the extent of resection.ResultsAll of 30 lesions were accurately defined by IOUS due to the distinct echogenicity compared with the normal brain. Solid low grade gliomas tended to be well circumscribed with regular sulcus, while central necrosis was most commonly present with malignant gliomas. Complete tumor extirpation was achieved by IOUS guidance in this group. Two patients exhibited mild neurological deficit following the surgery.ConclusionIOUS may provide valuable real-time information and facilitate effectual surgery with accuracy for the cerebral gliomas.

Key words: intraoperative ultrasound, surgery, cerebral glioma