Stereotactic surgery in the management of intracranial disorders.

Fifty-six stereotactic procedures (thirty-eight stereotactic biopsies, 13 stereotactic craniotomies, and 5 implantations of intracranial catheters) were performed on 54 patients at the University of Missouri between 1990 and 1994. In 89.5% of cases a definitive diagnosis was made by stereotactic biopsy with a major complication rate of 2.6%, rates comparable to other published series. Stereotactic craniotomy was associated with no mortality and minimal morbidity. Stereotactic surgery is a safe and effective technique that improves the management of many intracranial disorders.