How I do it: preoperative simulation and augmented reality assisted surgical resection of Glioblastoma in Broca’s area

Abstract

Background

The emergence of virtual reality and augmented reality makes preoperative simulation and intraoperative real-time guidance possible, especially for lesions in functional areas.

Method

Preoperatively, the virtual reality technique allowed the simulation of tumor resection while visualizing the fiber tracts. During resection, we used augmented reality to localize the terminations of dorsal language pathways and strictly followed the preoperative plan to perform the surgery. Gross total resection and favorable functional outcome were finally achieved.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that preoperative simulation and augmented reality can truly assist in glioma surgery in functional areas.