[Application of diffusion tensor imaging fractography in minimally invasive surgery of brain tumors].

Objective: To investigate the effects and prospect of application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fractography in minimally invasive surgery of brain tumors.
Methods: DTI fractography was performed in 52 patients with malignant brain tumors. Based on the DTI fractography results, 34 of the 52 patients underwent operation under neuro-navigation, and 18 of the 52 patients underwent operation routine minimally invasive craniotomy and tumor resection without neuro-navigation.
Results: The rate of total tumor resection was 86.5% (45/52). The mortality was 1.9% (1/52). The disability rate was 11.5% (6/52). No case needed the second operation.
Conclusion: DTI fractography has raised the minimally invasive neurosurgery to the level of protecting the nuclei and nerve tracts and guiding intra-operative management of infiltration of deep-seated tumors, especially when combined with neuro-navigation and interventional MRI.