Aim of Stereotactic Surgery
The aim of the Stereotactic Surgical Technique is to allow physiological exploration or destruction of deep cerebral or spinal cord structures with a minimum of disturbance to surrounding regions. These structures are invisible from the surface, but their location can be determined by a knowledge of their coordinates in space relative to known anatomical and topographical landmarks. The use of the stereotactic technique in neurosurgery avoids extensive open operative approaches. The technique generally involves the placement of fine probes or instruments into strategic "target areas." The target area of interest may be a specific functional anatomical site or a morphological lesion or abnormality.