Intraoperative imaging with a therapeutic computed tomographic scanner.

A therapeutic computed tomographic (CT) scanner uniquely dedicated to surgical usage allowed intraoperative CT imaging during precise resections of glial brain tumors in three patients. Intraoperative CT scanning provided accurate tumor localization, superior contrast and spatial resolution of the lesion, and cross sectional anatomy of the entire brain. Further development of intraoperative CT guidance will allow safer or even complete removal of some previously unresectable brain tumors.