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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 June 2016
Background: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) and gangliogliomas are the most common cause of tumor-related seizures in children and adolescents. Little is known about predictors of surgical success, in terms of seizure freedom. All relevant papers since 1995 were identified. Methods: Over 4000 abstracts were screened on MedLine to identify data comparing tumor type (DNET vs. ganglioglioma) and predictors of post-operative seizure freedom. Results: Seventeen papers were identified encompassing 97 DNET and 95 ganglioglioma patients. Fifteen patients were found with other neuroglial tumors (NGT) or NGT not-otherwise-specified. DNET patients were found to have less frequent seizures, more likely to have second lobe involvement, and to achieve gross total resection. Seizure freedom was achieved in roughly 80% of patients, with no distinction by tumor type, with no surgery-related or peri-operative deaths. For DNETs, seizure freedom was associated with shorter seizure duration, simple lesionectomy, gross total resection, and shorter duration of follow-up. In ganglioglioma patients, seizure freedom was associated with younger age at surgery, secondary generalization (unexpectedly), absence of dysplasia, and gross total resection. Gross total resection was the strongest predictor. Conclusions: Epilepsy surgery for DNET and ganglioglioma had similar outcomes with gross total resection being the strongest predictor.