Results of 200 intracranial stereotactic biopsies.

200 stereotactic biopsies were evaluated. The validity of the intraoperative histopathological results were compared with the final diagnosis using conventional embedding and staining techniques. Further comparison between the histology of the biopsy and the post mortem or open operative findings were possible in 41 cases. Discrepancy was found in one case regarding the tumor detection, and in three cases regarding the tumor grading. The mortality in our patients was 1% and the morbidity 3%. Stereotactical biopsy had a low risk even in deep brain regions such as basal ganglia, mesencephalon, and pons. At the same time the high histologic validity makes the CT-guided stereotactical biopsy recommendable in all lesions not operated by an open resection before any conservative or palliative therapy is started.