New alternatives for treating brain tumours with minimally invasive techniques

Neurosurgeon Dr. Marcelo Budke, a specialist in epilepsy, brain tumours and spinal surgery at Ruber Internacional Hospital, has given a training course on the technique of MRI-guided laser ablation of the brain, an innovation that is transforming neurosurgical practice and offering new alternatives to patients with brain tumours, metastases, angiomas and drug-resistant epilepsy.

"Laser ablation is a minimally invasive technique that allows us to insert a fibre measuring just one millimetre into the brain and destroy the diseased tissue in a completely controlled manner. The exposure time is about ten minutes, which is sufficient to achieve an effective result without compromising the surrounding healthy tissue, while magnetic resonance imaging monitors the procedure in real time to ensure maximum safety," explains Dr Budke.

A less aggressive alternative to open surgery

Laser ablation is presented as a less invasive therapeutic option in certain clinical cases, without attempting to replace conventional surgery. It is particularly indicated for patients with refractory epilepsy, metastases or small tumours, and is of great interest to those who cannot undergo a craniotomy for medical reasons or prefer a less aggressive option.

"This laser procedure is highly valued by patients because it avoids the aggressiveness of open surgery. Recovery is significantly faster: patients are discharged after 24 hours and can resume their daily lives within a week, compared to the month of recovery that traditional surgery usually requires," the specialist points out.

In addition to rapid recovery, the technique reduces the risk of postoperative complications such as infections, haemorrhages or cerebral infarcts.

Real-time monitoring, maximum precision

One of the most innovative aspects of this system is the continuous monitoring of the process using magnetic resonance imaging. This allows the medical team to adjust the application of the laser at any given moment, ensuring that only the diseased area is destroyed and preserving vital areas of the brain intact.

‘What is revolutionary about this technique is that magnetic resonance imaging gives us real-time images. This allows us to see which tissue is being destroyed and ensure the preservation of functional areas such as language, motor skills, and vision,’ says Dr. Budke.

Training and the future of neurosurgery

The course taught by Dr. Marcelo Budke has been a unique training opportunity for professionals interested in learning first-hand about a technique that is marking a turning point in the treatment of complex brain pathologies.

"Laser ablation does not replace traditional surgery, but rather expands our therapeutic options. Each patient is unique, and the goal is to offer the safest and most effective technique for their particular case," concludes the neurosurgeon.

With its growing application in leading centres worldwide, laser ablation is emerging as one of the most promising tools in contemporary neurosurgery, opening the door to safer, less invasive procedures with better quality of life outcomes for patients.