Surgery is not the first option for every brain tumor. For small tumors deep in the brain or in vital centers, focused radiation (radiosurgery) or a biopsy alone may be chosen; some benign tumors are followed with regular MRI.
Whether radiotherapy or medication is needed after surgery is decided by neurosurgery, radiation oncology and medical oncology, together with the pathology and molecular results.
| Without intraoperative MRI | With intraoperative MRIAt Doruk | |
|---|---|---|
| Guidance | Preoperative MRI and neuronavigation | The same tools plus a new scan during surgery |
| Brain shift | The brain shifts when opened; the map can go out of date | The shift is seen on the new scan and the map is updated |
| Seeing remaining tumor | Seen on the MRI after surgery | Seen on MRI before surgery ends |
| What happens to remaining tumor | A second operation if needed | Removed in the same operation if safe |
| Protecting function | With neuromonitoring and awake surgery | The same tools plus an up-to-date image |
| Operating time | Shorter | Longer because of the scan |
| Where it helps most | Tumors with clearly visible borders | Tumors with unclear borders |
Whether intraoperative MRI is used depends on the tumor’s type, location and how clearly its borders can be seen.
Before surgery: the distance between the tumor and the functional centers is measured with 3T MRI and, if needed, functional MRI. If awake surgery is planned, the tasks you will do during the operation are practised together beforehand. The team decides when to stop blood thinners.
After surgery: you are monitored in intensive care on the first night, and the result is documented with a postoperative MRI. Your surgeon sets when you can fly and drive after the follow-up visit.
The quote prepared and shared based on the medical information you provide is guaranteed: for every treatment it covers, the hospital charges no extra fees.
The oncology team was with me medically and emotionally. In a word, they gave me confidence.
All my tests were done in one centre and the tumour board produced a plan the same week.
I came for a second opinion; it was the doctor himself who explained that I should stay and be treated.
A Russian-speaking coordinator was with me at every appointment; I never had to guess anything.
The file of the treatment I began at home was read here in full; I did not start from zero.
Accommodation and transfers were planned in one schedule during radiotherapy; it did not exhaust me.
They explained both my illness and my options in my own language. Knowledge eased my fear.
I had my follow-up calendar in hand after treatment ended; I did not return home into a vacuum.