What is a stereotactic biopsy of cerebral space occupying lesion?
This procedure is performed to take a small sample of the lesion inside your brain. It is taken to identify the lesion which then determines the appropriate treatment for you.
A small cut is made in the skin which allows a small hole to be drilled into the skull beneath the cut. The firm lining of the brain will be opened.
Using computer guidance a thin biopsy needle is passed into the lesion within the brain. Small samples of the lesion are taken and sent to pathology for examination.
The cut is closed with stitches and staples.
My Anaesthetic
This procedure will require a General Anaesthetic.
See About your Anaesthetic information sheet for information about the anaesthetic and the risks involved. If you have any concerns, talk these over with your doctor.
If you have not been given an information sheet, please ask for one.
What are the risks of this specific procedure?
There are some risks/complications with this procedure.
Common risks include:
- Infection. This may need antibiotics and further treatment.
- Minor pain, bruising and/or infection from IV cannula site. This may require treatment with antibiotics.
- A pathology result may not be able to be obtained from the sample. This may require further surgery or another biopsy.
- Bleeding. A return to the operating room for further surgery may be required if bleeding occurs. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
Uncommon risks include:
- A heart attack because of the strain on the heart.
- Fluid leakage from around the brain can occur after the operation. This may require further surgery.
- Small areas of the lung may collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
- Increase risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
- Clots in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) with pain and swelling. Rarely part of this clot may break off and go into the lungs.
Rare risks include:
- Epilepsy which may require medication. This condition may be temporary or permanent.
- Stroke or stroke like complications can occur which can cause weakness in the face, arms and legs. This could be temporary or permanent.
- Injury to the brain, important nerves or blood vessels. This can lead to stroke like complications which can cause weakness in the face, arms and/or legs.
- Death is rare due to this procedure
