Intraoperative MRI Suite
Intraoperative MRI brings a high-field scanner into the operating room. After the tumor appears to be removed, the patient is scanned while still under anesthesia; if residual tumor is seen, it is removed in the same operation. This directly increases the rate of complete resection for gliomas and pituitary tumors and guides LITT in real time.
Who it is for
- Gliomas
- Pituitary adenomas
- LITT procedures
- Tumors where the boundary is difficult to see
Why we use it
- Higher rates of complete removal
- Fewer second operations
- Updated navigation that accounts for brain shift
How the procedure is done
- Standard navigation-guided resection.
- Intraoperative scan with the wound protected.
- Updated navigation on the fresh images; further resection if needed.
- Closure once the imaging goal is achieved.
Recovery
As for the underlying procedure.
Risks, stated plainly
Longer anesthesia time. Dr. Daggubati reviews the specific risks for your situation in person before any decision is made.
Common questions
Does every brain tumor operation use intraoperative MRI?
No. It adds the most for tumors whose edges are hard to see — gliomas and pituitary adenomas — where residual tumor can be removed in the same operation. For well-defined tumors such as most meningiomas, navigation and the microscope are sufficient.
Does it make the operation longer?
By roughly 30–45 minutes for the scan. That time is well spent when it avoids a second operation.
Which hospitals have it?
Intraoperative MRI is available at selected hospitals in the region; when it is likely to change the outcome, Dr. Daggubati schedules the operation where it is available.