Fluorescence-guided brain tumor resection is a type of surgery that may be considered for any patient diagnosed with a brain tumor or spinal cord tumor. Intraoperative fluorescence surgery is a standardized technique in the world and is completely safe for the patient. On this occasion, Dr. Pamela García-Corrochano, neurosurgeon at Clinica Ricardo Palma, provides us with more information about this procedure.

How is the surgery done?

Before the surgery, a pre-surgery evaluation and a thorough neurological examination are performed on each patient.

Then, before starting the surgery, when the patient is under general anesthesia, a substance is injected that allows the tumor to be seen very clearly, distinguishing it from the healthy brain. This is achieved with the help of a state-of-the-art surgical microscope, which allows this fluorescence to be obtained using a special light. In this way, the specialist can perform the intervention minimizing brain damage.

Tumors can affect important areas of the brain, such as those that perform motor function, speech, memory, among others. That is why each patient must have specialized care according to her needs.

What are the benefits obtained after this surgery?

Tumor resection with fluorescence allows the entire tumor to be removed, in the vast majority of cases, safely.

After the surgery, the patient can obtain the following benefits:

• Faster recovery
• Lower risk of post-surgery bleeding
• Decreased brain swelling
• Recovery of all their faculties, in some cases

What are the main steps the patient goes through?

The entire process takes on average a couple of weeks from the first consultation.

• Once it is confirmed that the patient is fit, the surgery is scheduled, which lasts approximately 3 hours.
• After the surgery, the patient will remain in the Intensive Care Unit for 1 day.
• Later, the patient will go to common hospitalization for 2 more days.
• Then, the patient will be seen in outpatient appointments and will undergo an exhaustive and meticulous follow-up over time.

Our specialist indicates that the objective of this surgery is to make patients return to their lives, their hobbies, sports and time with their family, being able to recover functions that they had lost, such as vision, hearing, consciousness, speech and motility. The doctor’s job is to talk with the patient and let him know what the improvements can be, as well as the risks that can occur through these procedures.

Dr. Pamela García-Corrochano
Neurosurgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma