MODERN MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN NEURO-ONCOLOGY: EFFECTIVENESS, SAFETY, AND PROSPECTS FOR CLINICAL APPLICATION

Abstract

Minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques have undergone rapid development over the past two decades, fundamentally transforming the management of brain tumors. The shift toward less traumatic surgical strategies has been driven by advances in visualization technologies, intraoperative navigation, endoscopy, laser ablation systems, and robotic assistance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state, clinical outcomes, and future potential of minimally invasive approaches in neuro-oncological surgery. Emerging techniques—such as endoscopic transnasal and transcranial approaches, keyhole craniotomies, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), stereotactic radiosurgery, and ultrasound-guided tumor destruction—demonstrate growing evidence of effectiveness, particularly in cases where conventional resection poses high risks.

Despite the clear benefits of reduced surgical morbidity, shorter hospitalization time, and improved quality of life, minimally invasive tumor surgery is associated with methodological and technological challenges. These include limitations in visual fields, dependency on the surgeon’s technical expertise, and potential risks of thermal or vascular injury. Nevertheless, the integration of advanced neuroimaging, functional mapping, and precision navigation significantly mitigates these drawbacks, opening new opportunities for optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

This article reviews the available literature, summarizes current methodologies, and evaluates clinical effectiveness and safety profiles of minimally invasive procedures for brain tumor removal. Additionally, future directions—including the role of artificial intelligence, enhanced robotics, and augmented reality—are discussed as key components of a rapidly evolving neurosurgical paradigm. The findings suggest that minimally invasive surgery is poised to play an increasingly dominant role in neuro-oncology, offering a balance between maximal tumor control and preservation of neurological function. Continuous innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and rigorous clinical validation will determine the pace at which these technologies become widely adopted in routine clinical practice.