Transsphenoidal microsurgical treatment of infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma

Objective Typically,the transcranial approach has been used for the treatment of craniopharyngiomas with suprasellar extension,whereas the transsphenoidal approach has been used mostly for infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma.Total resection of craniopharyngioma can reduce the recurrence rate,especially in young children,but it may lead to severe complications.Therefore,any benefit of the degree of resection must be weighed against the risk of complications by the surgeons.The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic outcome after transsphenoidal microsurgical treatment of infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma and share our experiences.Methods Between January 2003 and June 2013,30 patients with infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma underwent transsphenoidal microsurgical resection in our hospital.The neurological,visual,and endocrine functions,and extent of resection were analyzed retrospectively.Recurrence or growth of residual tumor tissue during follow-up was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Results Total resection was achieved in 25 patients(83.3%),subtotal resection was achieved in 4 patients(13.3%),and partial resection was achieved in 1 patient(3.4%).There were no perioperative deaths.Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) leakage occurred in 6 patients,and among them,2 required surgical repair of the sella.New-onset postoperative diabetes insipidus(DI) developed in 8 patients.Vision and visual fields were improved at different levels in 13 out of 16 patients who had sight impediments before treatment.Tumor recurrence and regrowth was observed in 2 patients;1 patient underwent transsphenoidal reoperation,the condition of the other patient who had undergone several craniotomies grew worse over the 6-month follow-up period.Conclusion Transsphenoidal surgery is an ideal choice in treating infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma.The transsphenoidal approach,which preserves pituitary function and avoids damage to the hypothalamic structures and optic nerve,is associated with fewer complications than the transcranial approach and a low mortality rate.