Operative indications in glioblastoma.

General aspects of glioblastomas are considered such as preoperative diagnosis, stereotactic punctures for tissue samples, location and tumour size, interference with CSF circulation. The operative risk and different approaches to treatment are discussed, and the results are compared. The described combined treatment of operative, local cytostatic, and irradiation therapy appears promising, with 22% of patients alive, and a maximum survival time of 51/2 years. Attention is drawn to proper information of the patient and his family regarding the disease and possible outcome.