Transsylvian Insular Glioma Surgery: New Classification System, Clinical Outcome in a Consecutive Series of 79 Cases

Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2021 May 13;20(6):541-548. doi: 10.1093/ons/opab051.

Abstract

Background: Surgery of insular glial tumors remains a challenge because of high incidence of postoperative neurological deterioration and the complex anatomy of the insular region.

Objective: To explore the prognostic role of our and Berger-Sanai classifications on the extent of resection (EOR) and clinical outcome.

Methods: From 2012 to 2017, a transsylvian removal of insular glial tumors was performed in 79 patients. The EOR was assessed depending on magnetic resonance imaging scans performed in the first 48 h after surgery.

Results: The EOR ≥90% was achieved in 30 (38%) cases and <90% in 49 (62.0%) cases. In the early postoperative period, the new neurological deficit was observed in 31 (39.2%) patients, and in 5 patients (6.3%), it persisted up to 3 mo.We proposed a classification of insular gliomas based on its volumetric and anatomical characteristics. A statistically significant differences were found between proposed classes in tumor volume before and after surgery (P < .001), EOR (P = .02), rate of epileptic seizures before the surgical treatment (P = .04), and the incidence of persistent postoperative complications (P = .03).In the logistic regression model, tumor location in zone II (Berger-Sanai classification) was the predictor significantly related to less likely EOR of ≥90% and the maximum rate of residual tumor detection (P = .02).

Conclusion: The proposed classification of the insular gliomas was an independent predictor of the EOR and persistent postoperative neurological deficit. According to Berger-Sanai classification, zone II was a predictor of less EOR through the transsylvian approach.

Keywords: Classification; Insular glioma surgery; Oncology; Outcome; Transsylvian approach.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Glioma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Glioma* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Treatment Outcome