FUNCTIONAL MRI AND TRACTOGRAPHY-GUIDED SURGERY IN PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS: IMPROVING OUTCOMES IN ELOQUENT BRAIN AREAS

This study evaluates the impact of functional MRI (fMRI) and MR-tractography on surgical outcomes in children with brain tumors in eloquent areas. A cohort of 100 pediatric patients was assessed, including 60 patients who underwent fMRI and tractography-guided surgery and 40 control patients treated without functional imaging. The integration of advanced imaging allowed for individualized surgical planning, resulting in reduced complications, shorter hospitalization, and higher functional preservation. Gross total resection was achieved in 82% of cases with imaging guidance. Postoperative neurological deterioration occurred in only 6.7%, compared to 25% in the control group. Functional imaging improved confidence in surgical decisions.