Brain biopsy refers to invasive research methods. There is a risk of damage to thin cells with inaccurate sampling of biomaterial. In medical practice, there are real examples of death, fortunately, they are quite rare.
The essence of the operation
A brain biopsy is used in neurosurgery to determine the type of tumor: malignant or benign. However, the study does not make sense for diagnostic purposes only. Because any tumor in the brain will need to be removed.
A brain biopsy is performed by a very thin and hollow needle. The purpose of the procedure is to select a portion of cells from a specific area. To access soft tissue, a minimum hole is made in the skull. A material is taken with a syringe and the resulting channel is sutured, which quickly overgrows.
A brain biopsy is the latest research method when it is not possible to confirm the diagnosis with an MRI and computed tomography scan. The results only apply to an already disappointing verdict. For the patient, these data do not fundamentally change the situation.
When do you need research?
A stereotactic brain biopsy helps to accurately determine the type of tumor. It is recommended for diseases: multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, hemorrhagic stroke. The method is indicated for meningitis, encephalitis.
A brain tumor biopsy is a relatively dangerous method of research, so it is not suitable for many categories of patients. In practice, doctors try not to use invasive methods at all. They turn to him when the tumor in the head is quite large. And often the result of research gives either a chance to be cured, or a sentence of imminent death.
If a brain biopsy is performed, the consequences may give rise to faster growth of the detected tumor. With a benign neoplasm in 50% of cases, a repeated growth of pathology is observed.
Varieties
An open brain biopsy is very rarely used. How is the operation to remove the tumor, then the study of the affected cells is carried out. This type of research is quite complicated and carries risks for the patient. The skull is open at the time of the puncture and there is a possibility of damage to the upper layers of the brain.
The stereotactic method is the least invasive. On modern equipment, the entire process is displayed, which eliminates unnecessary needle movements. The doctor controls every step of the procedure.
Visual examination is possible only with an open biopsy. But MRI and computed tomography are added to the stereoscopic, which makes it safer.
Open method implementation
Let’s describe how a brain biopsy is taken in an open way. Before starting the procedure, the patient is anesthetized. A small area of the skull is removed to access the brain.
The open method is not carried out separately, it is always done during an operation to remove neoplasms. Part of the skull must be restored, and this is a long process. The patient will be long on sick leave after this procedure.
The open method poses a threat to health, although it is used more often. The recovery period can last several months.
The minimally invasive method
Stereotactic intervention is performed using a frame and neuronavigation. Both methods are accurate compared to open. The first method is referred to the classical method. To date, the data obtained are most reliable with the least invasion of the patient’s organ.
Before the procedure, an MRI is performed, the exact position of the neoplasm is established. Special contrast agents are used. When doctors have decided on the puncture site, they install a frame on the patient’s skull. It is screwed. A ring is installed on it, on which the needle will be placed.
They include an MRI localizer and conduct computed tomography. The whole process is displayed on the monitor screen. Next, the surgeon drills the needle insertion site, having previously cut the skin. The biomaterial is taken and the cut area of the skin is sutured.
The patient will have to spend a recovery period in bed. Periodically, doctors will examine him to exclude complications from the operation.
Neuronavigation
This biopsy method also includes pre-MRI and CT before surgery. According to the obtained volumetric image, the place of introduction of the needle is established. The surgeon can also calculate the direction of the instrument during the collection of biomaterial. The patient is anesthetized.
The arms, legs, head of the patient are firmly fixed on the couch, the slightest unsuccessful movement can cause the needle to move and enter the brain more than it should be. The surgeon makes a hole with a needle, control is carried out by neuronavigation. At the end of the procedure, stitches are applied and a recovery period is required.
The method is characterized in that the patient does not feel anything at all. A computer helps the surgeon choose the least traumatic needle path for the skull and brain. The tumor is often deep, the previous method is difficult not to affect the surrounding healthy tissue.
Not only the brain is examined by neuronavigation, it is used to obtain tumor biomaterial in the spinal cord. However, doctors warn that both methods may have implications for the health of the patient. They resort to them in extreme cases, when an overgrown tumor already takes place.
The negative effects of research
A biopsy always has consequences. The level of reaction of body tissues in each operated person is different, and it will be impossible to predict which particular complication. The most common are minor ailments: bleeding, headaches due to swelling at the site of biomaterial collection.
There are more dangerous consequences: damage to brain cells, the patient may fall into a coma. Circulatory disorders at the site of surgery will affect the work of the whole organism. Attacks, disturbances in motor skills may occur. A weakened body becomes defenseless against infections, chronic diseases are activated.
Modern equipment has significantly reduced the likelihood of problems after a biopsy. But the consequences still occur. Patients are reassured by the reliability of the instruments used. Doctors just can not take into account the reaction of the patient's body to the introduction of a foreign object into the brain tissue.
The inexperience of healthcare providers is a major factor that can lead to complications. You can exclude it by contacting a trusted diagnostic center.