Subfrontal transbasal approach and technique for resection of craniopharyngioma

Neurosurg Focus. 2005 Jun 15;18(6A):E10.

Abstract

A multimodality approach to craniopharyngioma, including minimally invasive stereotactic techniques, microsurgery, conventional radiotherapy, and radiosurgery has been recommended to tackle craniopharyngioma aggressively while minimizing harm to the patient. With all approaches, there are varying levels of risk for endocrinological morbidity, vascular complications, neuropsychological and behavioral disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and learning disabilities. Although many treatment options are available, total tumor resection remains the most commonly performed procedure for treatment of craniopharyngioma, and it is still believed to give the patient the greatest chance of having an independent and productive life with low risk of recurrences. The authors prefer the subfrontal transbasal approach for resection of these tumors, and they describe this approach and illustrate it with the accompanying figures.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Craniopharyngioma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Radiosurgery / methods
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery*