Insular glioma resection: assessment of patient morbidity, survival, and tumor progression

Abstract

Object Insular gliomas remain surgically challenging cases due to complex anatomy, including surrounding vasculature and the relationship to functional structures. To define the morbidity profile associated with aggressive insular glioma removal as well as its impact on long-term outcome, the authors retrospectively evaluated the extent of resection (EOR) in the context of this complex anatomy and function and assessed its role in determining disease progression, malignant transformation, and, ultimately, patient survival. Methods The study population included adults who had undergone initial or repeat resection of insular gliomas of all grades. Tumor location was identified according to a proposed quadrant-style classification (Zones I–IV) of the insula. Low- and high-grade gliomas were volumetrically analyzed using FLAIR and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging, respectively. Results One hundred fifteen procedures involving 104 patients with insular gliomas were identified. Patients presented with l...