2022 Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 25-33
Insular or insulo-opercular resection for treating intractable epilepsy represents a significant neurosurgical challenge. Seizure outcomes have improved considerably with the accumulation of knowledge of insular epilepsy in the last decade. However, the surgical risks have not been well documented. In this article, we review the risks of insular or insulo-opercular epilepsy surgery, focusing on the putative roles of the insula, such as sensorimotor function, cognition, and social-emotional function. Insular resection does not cause a significant impairment of cognition, but poses a risk of postoperative motor complications and may affect emotional perception. Insular or insulo-opercular resection is a promising surgical treatment option for intractable epilepsy. However, further research is required to limit complications and improve safety.
