The main problem in microsurgical resection of spinal cord tumors is excessive surgical aggression. The last one often leads to unsatisfactory clinical and neurological outcomes. Laser fluorescence spectroscopy is a modern neurosurgical approach to distinguish tumor boundaries even if standard visible fluorescence techniques are ineffective.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of laser fluorescence spectroscopy alone or in combination with visual 5-ALA fluorescence for improvement of safety and quality of resection, as well as intraoperative diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Searching for literature data was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. The authors reviewed articles independently of each other. These data were systematized.

RESULTS

Laser fluorescence spectroscopy is valuable to identify fragments of intramedullary ependyomas in 86% of cases, while visual fluorescence only in 81% of cases. Advisability of this technique for low-grade astrocytomas is still unclear and requires further study. Its effectiveness is 87.5% for extramedullary meningiomas. Neuromas do not accumulate 5-ALA. In addition, this method can be used to determine the boundaries of intradural metastatic lesions.

CONCLUSION

5-ALA fluorescence is a safe and useful intraoperative method for identifying tumor tissue and resection margins in patients with intramedullary or infiltrative extramedullary spinal cord tumors. Visual fluorescence combined with laser spectroscopy is a perspective method for intraoperative visualization of tumor remnants. This approach can improve safety and postoperative outcomes while maintaining resection quality.