Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the surgical skill and outcome of extended resection of frontopolar glioma. Methods From April 2005 to May 2009, extended resection was performed in 34 patients with frontopolar glioma. Within 2 cm limit around the “border” of the tumor, the tumors were totally removed with involved brain tissue. The resection margin was defined by anatomic landmarks such as longitudinal fissure, lateral fissure, coronal suture, corpus callosum, frontal horn of the lateral ventricle, optic nerve and optic chiasm. Radiation therapy was given postoperatively. Results In our series，there was no operative death. No severe complications occurred. The pathological results were 10 low-grade and 24 high-grade glioma. Clinical remission obtained in all patients with headache and 94.4%(17/18) patients had epilepsy. The mean time of followup was 22 months(9~46 months). There was no recurrence in patients with lowgrade glioma(n=24, KPS 80~100). 6 recurrences were noted in patients with highgrade glioma(n=10). A patient with glioblastoma died of tumor recurrence 17 months after the surgery. Two patients with anaplastic oligoastrocytoma died of tumor recurrence 20 and 36 months after the surgery respectively. KPS was 50~100 in survivors. Conclusion The anatomic landmarks can be used in extended resection of frontopolar glioma. The surgical procedure is safe and reliable. On the premise of preservation of vital functions, the extended resection may prolong life.

Key words: frontal pole, glioma, extended resection