What is the Stereotactic Brain Biopsy Procedure? - Aaron Cohen-Gadol, M.D.

Summary

In this informative video, neurosurgeon Aaron Cohengador discusses stereotactic brain biopsy, a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose brain tumors. He explains the process, indications, and benefits, highlighting its accuracy and safety. The video covers pre- and post-operative care, potential complications, and emphasizes the biopsy's role in effective treatment planning for patients with brain tumors.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Stereotactic brain biopsy is a procedure to obtain a small piece of tumor tissue for microscopic analysis to confirm the type of tumor.
• 📍 It is indicated when a tumor cannot be safely removed or its location makes complete resection impossible, to help confirm the tumor's nature for alternative treatments.
• 🔍 The biopsy provides exact diagnosis of unidentified masses found on imaging like MRI, aiding in understanding the tumor's type and aggressiveness.
• 🏥 The procedure is minimally invasive, using a coordinate-based navigation system to accurately target the tumor location within the brain.
• 🛠️ There are two types of stereotactic biopsy systems: framed, which is more accurate but requires a head frame, and frameless, which is more comfortable for patients.
• 👨‍⚕️ A neurosurgeon performs the biopsy, often recommended by an oncologist, neurologist, or when the neurosurgeon deems tumor removal unsafe.
• 🧬 The tissue sample is sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope, which is critical for determining the tumor's characteristics and diagnosis.
• ⏱️ Results of the biopsy may take up to a week to be reported back to the healthcare team for further analysis and treatment planning.
• 🚫 Before the biopsy, patients must stop blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to minimize bleeding risks.
• 🛌 The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia, is relatively short, and requires an overnight hospital stay with post-operative care instructions.
• 🚨 Complications from the biopsy are rare but can include bleeding in the brain, which may cause new neurological symptoms and require immediate attention.
• 🏆 The outcomes of a stereotactic brain biopsy are usually favorable, with patients often returning to normal activities within a week and achieving a realistic and accurate diagnosis.

Q & A

What is a stereotactic brain biopsy?

A stereotactic brain biopsy is a procedure to obtain a small piece of tissue from a brain tumor for further microscopic analysis by a pathologist to determine the exact type and aggressiveness of the tumor.

Why is a stereotactic brain biopsy performed?

It is performed when a tumor cannot be safely removed, or its location makes complete resection impossible, to confirm the type of tumor so that alternative treatments can be designed.

How does a stereotactic brain biopsy help in treating brain tumors?

It helps by providing a definitive diagnosis, which allows the healthcare team to design the most effective treatment plan that may include non-surgical options.

What are the indications for a stereotactic biopsy?

The indications include determining the exact diagnosis of an unidentified mass found on imaging, such as an MRI, to understand the type and aggressiveness of the tumor.

What types of stereotactic biopsy systems are mentioned in the script?

The script mentions two types: framed stereotactic biopsy, which requires a frame placed on the patient's head, and frameless stereotactic biopsy, which uses a GPS-like system for navigation without the need for a frame.

Who typically performs a stereotactic brain biopsy?

A neurosurgeon with expertise in the procedure performs a stereotactic brain biopsy, often after consultation with an oncologist, internal medicine doctor, or neurologist.

What happens to the tissue sample obtained during a stereotactic brain biopsy?

The tissue sample is sent to a pathologist or neuropathologist for examination under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and assess the tumor's characteristics.

How long does it take to receive the results of a stereotactic brain biopsy?

It may take up to a week for the biopsy results to be processed and returned to the patient's healthcare team.

What are the potential complications of a stereotactic brain biopsy?

Complications are rare but can include bleeding in the brain, which may cause new neurological symptoms. The procedure is considered extremely safe, with a 95% safety rate.

What are the post-operative care instructions after a stereotactic brain biopsy?

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, not to drink alcohol or use nicotine products, take walks, sleep with the head elevated, and follow specific care instructions for the incision site.

What should a patient do if they experience certain symptoms after a stereotactic brain biopsy?

If a patient experiences fever, chills, confusion, severe headaches, swelling, bleeding, or increased pain at the incision site, they should inform their surgeon immediately.