Brain metastases (BM) represent more than 50% of intracranial tumors in the adult population and have shown an increasing incidence over recent decades 1,2 . Around 170,000 patients per year are diagnosed with BM in the United States of America. In addition, 10% to 40% of oncologic patients develop BM in the course of the disease [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] . The factors associated with this increasing incidence include advances in neuroimaging techniques, easier access to health care systems, and increased survival of cancer patients. The best strategy for treating BM remains controversial, but the management includes radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and surgical resection. Patients are typically treated according to age, functional performance, neurological status, type of cancer, number and localization of BM, radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity of the tumors, and systemic control of the primary cancer [5][6][7][8] . Local control of BM can restore neurological functional status and increase survival of patients that may die due to extracranial progression of the disease [9][10][11][12] . Some trials suggest that neurosurgical resection is a good option, presenting low recurrence rates especially when followed by radiotherapy [6][7][8]11,12 . BM resection can rapidly decrease the mass effect and surrounding edema, improve symptoms and quality of life, control epileptic seizures and provide tissue for histological analysis and diagnosis of suspected lesions [6][7][8] . In addition, resection of multiple BM can also bring positive outcomes if systemic cancer is controlled [13][14][15] . The objective
ABSTRACTBrain metastases (BM) are one of the most common intracranial tumors and surgical treatment can improve both the functional outcomes and patient survival, particularly when systemic disease is controlled. Image-guided BM resection using intraoperative exams, such as intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS), can lead to better surgical results. Methods: To evaluate the use of IOUS for BM resection, 20 consecutives patients were operated using IOUS to locate tumors, identify their anatomical relationships and surgical cavity after resection. Technical difficulties, complications, recurrence and survival rates were noted. Results: IOUS proved effective for locating, determining borders and defining the anatomical relationships of BM, as well as to identify incomplete tumor resection. No complications related to IOUS were seen. Conclusion: IOUS is a practical supporting method for the resection of BM, but further studies comparing this method with other intraoperative exams are needed to evaluate its actual contribution and reliability.Key words: intraoperative ultrasound, brain metastases, neurosurgery.
RESUMOAs metástases cerebrais (MC) são os tumores intracranianos mais frequentes e seu tratamento cirúrgico pode melhorar a sobrevida e a funcionalidade do paciente, especialmente quando a doença sistêmica está controlada. A ressecção das MC guiada por imagens de exames intraoperatórios, como ultrassom intraoper...