Intraoperative MRI for Brain Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: The use of intraoperative imaging has been a critical tool in the neurosurgeon's armamentarium and is of particular benefit during tumor surgery. This article summarizes the history of its development, implementation, clinical experience and future directions. METHODS: We reviewed the literature focusing on the development and clinical experience with intraoperative MRI. Utilizing the authors' personal experience as well as evidence from the literature, we present an overview of the utility of MRI during neurosurgery. RESULTS: In the 1990s, the first description of using a low field MRI in the operating room was published describing the additional benefit provided by improved resolution of MRI as compared to ultrasound. Since then, implementation has varied in magnetic field strength and in configuration from floor mounted to ceiling mounted units as well as those that are accessible to the operating room for use during surgery and via an outpatient entrance to use for diagnostic imaging. The experience shows utility of this technique for increasing extent of resection for low and high grade tumors as well as preventing injury to important structures while incorporating techniques such as intraoperative monitoring. CONCLUSION: This article reviews the history of intraoperative MRI and presents a review of the literature revealing the successful implementation of this technology and benefits noted for the patient and the surgeon.

Effect of Various OR Noise on Fine Motor Skills, Cognition, and Mood.

BACKGROUND: The amalgam of noises inherent to the modern-day operating room has the potential of diluting surgeon concentration, which could affect surgeon performance and mood and have implications on quality of care and surgeon resilience. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the impact of operating room environmental noises on surgeon performance including fine motor dexterity, cognition, and mood. METHODS: 37 subjects were tested under three different environmental noise conditions including silence, a prerecorded soundtrack of a loud bustling operating room, and with background music of their choosing. We used the Motor Performance Series to test motor dexterity, neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive thinking, and Profile of Mood States to test mental well-being. RESULTS: Our results showed that typical operating room noise had no impact on motor dexterity but music improved the speed and precision of movements and information processing skills. Neurocognitive testing showed a significant decrement from operating room noise on verbal learning and delayed memory, whereas music improved complex attention and mental flexibility. The Profile of Mood States found that music resulted in a significant decrease in feelings of anger, confusion, fatigue, and tension along with decreased total mood disturbance, which is a measure of psychological distress. Loud operating room noise had a negative impact on feelings of vigor but no increase in total mood disturbance. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that loud and unnecessary environmental noises can be distracting to a surgeon, so every effort should be taken to minimize these. Music of the surgeons' choosing does not negatively affect fine motor dexterity or cognition and has an overall positive impact on mood and can therefore be safely practiced if desired.