Fluorescence-Guided Neurosurgery

Hadjipanayis CG, Stummer W. Fluorescence-Guided Neurosurgery. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers; 2019 (168 pages), ISBN: 978-1-62-623714-8

Fluorescent agents are routinely used today in the surgical therapy of high-grade gliomas and aneurysms. However, the role of fluorescent-guided surgery for low-grade gliomas, spinal tumors, metastases, and arteriovenous malformation is less defined. This multi-author book describes in detail the established and less-established indications for fluorescent-guided neurosurgery. In addition, the potential indications for using alternative fluorescent agents (alkylphosphocholine analogs, tozuleristide) and application of new technologies (confocal endomicroscopy, Raman spectroscopy) are covered.

The chapters are well written, very well-illustrated, and informative. But for the specialist, who wants to immerse deeply into the topic, the book fails to cover the field completely. For example, the role of fluorescent quantum dots for direct staining of high-grade as well as low-grade tumors and the first experiences with endoscopes that are capable of inducing fluorescence are not mentioned. For neurosurgeons in training, who mainly aim for an overview and an appraisal on the future role of fluorescence-guided neurosurgery, the book is too detailed and lacks critical reflection. For all neurosurgeons between these two poles, the book is a must-have.