Computer-assisted stereotactic biopsy and volumetric resection of thalamic pilocytic astrocytomas. Report of 23 cases.

Twenty-three cases of pathologically verified thalamic pilocytic astrocytomas diagnosed at computer-assisted stereotactic biopsy and/or volumetric resection at the Mayo Clinic between January 1985 and October 1990 were reviewed. Computer-assisted stereotactic volumetric resection was performed in 19 patients. Postoperative imaging demonstrated no residual contrast-enhancing tumor in 14 patients and a small amount of contrast-enhancing tumor (less than 5% of the original tumor volume) in 5 patients. Biopsy only was performed in 4 patients: 2 with primarily cystic tumors successfully treated with stereotactic instillation of 32P, and 2 patients with stable (nonprogressive) deficits. There was 1 operative death; a patient with tumor extending into the midbrain became comatose and died 10 days after surgery. The remaining 22 patients are alive and well. Computer-assisted stereotactic volumetric resection of thalamic pilocytic astrocytomas can be performed with low morbidity and a favorable long-term prognosis.