Intraoperative ultrasound in microsurgical resection of supratentorial cavernous malformations

Objective To analyze the application value and clinical experience of intraoperative ultrasound in microsurgical resection of supratentorial cavernous malformations. Methods From March 2018 to March 2019, 31 patients with supratentorial cavernous malformations were operated with assistance of intraoperative ultrasound in our hospital. Intraoperative ultrasound could clearly show the locations and sizes of the lesions, and relations of lesions with surrounding structures to choose appropriate surgical routes. The degrees of resection were judged and complications were recorded. The patients were followed up for 3-6 months, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the prognoses. Results In these 31 patients, 35 cavernous hemangiomas were diagnosed by MR imaging before surgery; 33 lesions were removed surgically, and the other two lesions located in the contralateral side of the operative field were not removed. The accuracy of intraoperative ultrasound guiding the lesions was up to 100%. There were no postoperative infections or deaths. During follow-up, mRS score of 28 patients was 0; the other 3 patients with postoperative neurological impairment recovered partially during follow-up. Conclusion With the help of real-time monitoring of intraoperative ultrasound and location technique of small pieces of hemostatic yarn, patients with supratentorial cavernous malformations could acquire satisfactory prognosis through meticulous microsurgery. Key words: Cavernous malformation; Intraoperative ultrasound; Microsurgery