Categories: Techniques

Fluorescent-Guided Resections Using Gliolan

Fluorescent-guided resection using Gliolan is a surgical technique that involves the use of a fluorescent dye called 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to help surgeons visualize cancerous tissue during brain surgery. The technique is commonly used to treat malignant gliomas, which are a type of brain tumor.

Procedure

Before the surgery, the patient is given a dose of 5-ALA, which is absorbed by cancer cells and causes them to fluoresce or emit a bright red light when exposed to a blue light source. During the surgery, the surgeon uses a special microscope that emits blue light to visualize the cancerous tissue, which appears as a bright red color. This allows the surgeon to see the cancerous tissue more clearly and remove as much of it as possible, while preserving healthy tissue.

Benefits

Fluorescent-guided resection using Gliolan offers several benefits compared to traditional brain surgery. It allows for more accurate identification and removal of cancerous tissue, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for additional surgeries. It also helps preserve healthy brain tissue, which can reduce the risk of neurological deficits and other complications.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with fluorescent-guided resection using Gliolan. Some potential risks include bleeding, infection, and damage to healthy brain tissue. There is also a risk of an allergic reaction to the 5-ALA dye, although this is rare.

Recovery

After the surgery, the patient will typically need to stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor for any complications. They may experience some swelling or discomfort, which can be managed with pain medications. The patient may also need to undergo radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. The exact recovery time will depend on the extent of the surgery, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history.

In summary, fluorescent-guided resection using Gliolan is a surgical technique that can improve the accuracy of brain tumor removal. It offers several benefits compared to traditional brain surgery, but also carries some risks. The recovery time will depend on the individual case, and the patient may need additional treatments after the surgery.