Efficacy of Endoscopic Surgery Management of Craniopharyngiomas in Terms of Tumor Control and Post-operative Morbidity

Abstract

Craniopharyngiomas represent a surgical challenge for complete resection with transcranial or transnasal approach using microscopy or endoscopy. The selection criteria of the classic transsphenoidal route for the management of Craniopharyngiomas were postulated >30 years ago and still are valid today. However, the use of the endoscope through this corridor has enlarged its indications due to visual properties of the endoscope itself, increasing safety and efficacy of the approach. The extended EEA for suprasellar craniopharyngiomas avoids brain retraction, permits early exposure of the lesion, provides good visualization of the pituitary gland and stalk and the main vascular structures, and minimizes manipulation of the optic apparatus. The endoscopic technique, both standard and extended approaches, can be considered as a possible surgical treatment for craniopharyngiomas in the modern neurosurgical era.