Soft Coagulation Monopolar Suction for Rapid Resection of Supratentorial Brain Tumors: Feasibility of a New Technique and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES:The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of a new rapid tumor resection technique using soft coagulation monopolar suction (SCMS) and to strengthen neurosurgeons' understanding, use, and attention to this new electrosurgical technique. METHODS:The rapid surgical resection technique used herein comprised monopolar suction in soft coagulation mode applied by the ERBE VIO 300s workstation and conventional microsurgical suction. We applied this technique to supratentorial tumors in 12 patients (5 with glioblastomas, 4 with astrocytomas, 2 with metastases, and one with lymphoma) as the SCMS group. The conventional bipolar electrocautery and suction method was used for another 12 patients (non-SCMS group). The surgical results and perioperative complications were retrospectively evaluated. Radiographic and histologic analyses were performed to describe the degree of thermal damage. RESULTS:The mean estimated operative time and total blood loss were 3.63 ± 0.61 hours (P = 0.0048) and 308.33 ± 172.99 mL (P = 0.0482) in the SCMS group, respectively, and these values were significantly lower than those in the non-SCMS group (4.33 ± 0.49 hours and 466.67 ± 196.95 mL, respectively). No significant differences in perioperative complications, Karnofsky Performance Status scores, perioperative area edema volumes, perioperative ischemic areas, or mean residual tumors were observed between the groups. Histological examination revealed that SCMS produced uniform coagulation and completely obstructed most small vessel structures on the tumor surface. CONCLUSIONS:This new technique involving SCMS allows for a smooth surgical procedure and appears to be safe and feasible for the rapid resection of supratentorial brain tumors. Thus, neurosurgeons should consider using this technique in the future.