Removal of craniopharyngioma via fronto-basal interhemispheric approach

Abstract

The effectiveness and safety of fronto-basal interhemispheric approach in treating craniopharyngioma were evaluated. In this retrospective study, the safety and effectiveness of fronto-basal interhemispheric approach for surgical resection of craniopharyngioma in 20 patients was analyzed. Of the 20 patients, 12 were men and 8 were women, aged 15–65 years, with an average age of 42.5 years. The course of disease ranged from 1 to 36 months. The craniopharyngioma tumor was completely removed through surgical resection in 18 patients (90%) and partially removed in 2 patients. The pituitary stalk was preserved in 18 patients and 1 patient succumbed during the study period due to large area pulmonary embolism. In conclusion, fronto-basal interhemispheric approach provides better access to the tumor that grows in the sella-hypothalamus and anterior third ventricle region. Using this approach, tumors can be resected while preserving the vital structures such as the pituitary stalk and hypothalamus.

Very long-term sequelae of craniopharyngioma

“…Although craniopharyngioma treatment is predominantly individualized based on tumour and patient characteristics, the aggressiveness of the therapeutic approach varies from centre to centre (6). Some centres favour initial extensive excision whereby preserving hypothalamic and optic functions (7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15), while other centres prefer a more conservative approach comprising limited resection or cyst decompression (16,17,18,19,20).…”