Gliomas of the Limbic and Paralimbic System, Technique and Results of Resections

Limbic and paralimbic gliomas represent a unique group of brain tumors both from an anatomic and surgical point of view. Microsurgery, together with modern perioperative procedures, enables a wider extent of resection of these gliomas. Based on localization, we divide gliomas into three basic groups: 1. insular, 2. amygdalohippocampal complex and 3. cingulum gliomas. In our review, we describe the anatomy and function of the limbic and paralimbic system and in relation to that, we present a description of the specific neurosurgical approaches to these regions. Maximal resection with brain function preservation represents the basis for subsequent oncologic therapy. We also present the surgical results of our department in the last seven years with regard to morbidity and radicality.