Comparison of Resection Assisting Devices in the Process of Collecting Brain Tumor Tissue for Basic Research: Microdebrider Versus Ultrasonic Aspirator

INTRODUCTION: Brain tumors display significant inter and intratumoral heterogeneity, impacting disease progression and outcomes. Preserving surgically resected tissue is vital for ensuring accurate research results to enhance understanding of tumor pathophysiology. This study evaluates tissue integrity and viability of tissue resected using 2 surgical devices for tumor resection: a mechanical microdebrider (MD) and an ultrasonic aspirator (UA). METHODS: Tumor samples were obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection of primary and secondary intracranial tumors. Cell viability was assessed, and histopathological analysis of Hematoxylin and Eosin -stained tissues was performed. Adherent monolayer and neurospheres cell cultures were established from paired samples. RNA isolation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction of housekeeping genes were conducted to compare genetic integrity. RESULTS: The cellular viability was comparable between samples obtained using both the MD and the UA, with a mean viability of 75.2% +/- 15.6 and 70.7% +/- 16.8, respectively (P = 0.318). Histopathological evaluation indicated no discernible differences in cellular integrity between the devices. Cell culture success rates and growth characteristics were similar for both devices. RNA concentration and integrity were well-maintained in both MD and UA samples, with no significant differences (P = 0.855). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of housekeeping genes showed consistent results across matched tissues from both devices and different tumor pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical handheld devices provide valuable, high-quality tissue samples for research. Surgeon preference, tumor pathology, and anatomical location dictate device choice. Both MD and UA devices are reliable for obtaining quality tissue specimens, facilitating translational neuro-oncology research.