The word ‘‘stereotactic’’ was derived from the Greek word ‘‘stereos’’ means ‘three dimensions,’’ and the Latin word ‘‘tactus’’ means ‘‘to touch’’.
Stereotactic biopsy is a neurosurgical procedure which involves the mapping of the brain in a three dimensional coordinate system, with the help of CT and MRI scans and a 3D computer workstations and by this any area of the brain can be accurately targeted in stereotactic space (3D coordinate system).
Stereotactic brain biopsy is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure that uses this technology to obtain tissue samples of the brain for diagnostic purposes or excision of tumors.
The biopsy will help to provide information on the types of abnormal cells present in the lesion. The purpose of any biopsy is to discover the type and grading of the lesion as well as its molecular biology and growth pattern.
With the help of MRI, CT scans and 3D computer workstations, the neurosurgeons are now able to accurately target any area of the brain in the stereotactic space (3D coordinate system). The Stereotactic biopsy surgery is now the most accurate method of reaching a diagnosis.
Once the sample is obtained, a pathologist examines the tissue under microscope and gives a pathology report depending upon the analysis of the brain tissue.