Early postoperative MRI after resection of brain metastases-complete tumour resection associated with prolonged survival.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of residual tumour after resection of brain metastases using early postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the influence of residual tumour on overall patient survival.

Methods: Data from 72 consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for cerebral metastases over an 18-month study period were retrospectively collected. Early postoperative MRI was used to determine the presence of postoperative residual tumour.