Timing and Benefit of Early Versus Delayed Reoperation in Recurrent Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Survival and Functional Outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Background: The prognostic relevance of surgical timing at glioblastoma recurrence remains uncertain, and definitions of early versus delayed reoperation vary widely. Whether earlier surgery provides meaningful survival or functional benefit has not been clearly established. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2025. Eighteen observational studies met the inclusion criteria, fourteen of which provided extractable hazard ratios for survival. The primary outcome was overall survival after reoperation; secondary outcomes included functional status (ΔKPS or discharge home) and major postoperative complications. Random-effects models with Hartung-Knapp adjustment were used, with subgroup analyses stratified by

SUBMITTER: Tykocki T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12821606 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature