448 THE PINEAL ORGAN 



Whichever method of operation is adopted, it is a wise precaution to 

 give the patient some post-operative X-ray therapy, as it is impossible 

 to be quite sure that every particle of the tumour has been removed, and 

 pineal tumours for the most part are radiosensitive. 



Fig. 300. — Actual Exposure of a Pineal Tumour through the Lateral 



Ventricle. 



Ventricular puncture may be necessary during convalescence if the 

 intracranial pressure becomes increased. 



In some cases where the pineal tumour is very large it may be 

 advisable to perform a partial lobectomy of the occipital lobe in order to 

 give the surgeon a better method of approach. 



