Radiological features of craniopharyngiomas located in the posterior fossa

Gross-total resection of a suprasellar with recurrent cerebellopontine angle region craniopharyngioma by endoscopic far-lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach: illustrative case

“…A staged operation, combined approach, cyst drainage, and subsequent radiotherapy (internal phosphorus-32 radionuclide or external) are optional. [3][4][5][6]9 EFL-SCITA, in this case, was a novel surgical strategy for this craniopharyngioma subtype. Obviously, this approach can directly access the interpeduncular cistern and the floor of the third ventricle, but the oculomotor nerve is the main obstacle.…”

“…Observations Craniopharyngiomas that extend into the posterior fossa are a relatively rare subtype. 3 This subtype is mainly cystic and retroinfundibulum and is more common in children. 3 In the present case, EFL-SCITA was applied to this subtype.…”

“… 3 This subtype is mainly cystic and retroinfundibulum and is more common in children. 3 In the present case, EFL-SCITA was applied to this subtype. With this novel approach, both the suprasellar and posterior fossa parts can achieve a total, one-stage resection ( Fig.…”

“…For most craniopharyngiomas, a frontotemporal approach or endonasal transsphenoidal approach is sufficient to expose and resect the tumor. 3 , 8 Regarding the retrochiasmatic and retroinfundibulum types, the frontotemporal approach needs to be performed in the space between the carotid artery and the optic nerve or oculomotor nerve, and the exposure is limited. The endonasal transsphenoidal approach is challenging because of insufficient operating space and risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks.…”

“…2 On rare occasions, large cystic or recurrent craniopharyngiomas extend into the posterior fossa. 3 In these few cases, staged operation or combined approach may be more acceptable. [4][5][6] However, staged operations face more serious adhesions.…”