Retrospective Analysis Of Craniopharyngiomas Treated By Microsurgery

Objective: To investigate clinical curative effect of microsurgical treatment of craniopharyngioma. Group the cases by three different operative approaches, and compare the statistical difference.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 66 cases of craniopharyngiomas from april 2005 to december 2008 in our hospital. All of the patients received microsurgical treatment. The operation was performed via pterional approach in 26 cases, translongitudinal fissure-lamina terminalis approach in 23 cases, and subfrontal-longitudinal fissure approach in 17 cases. The clinical curative effect of microsurgical treatment was evaluate by analysing complications and therapeutic results. And we make a statistical comparison between three groups with different operative approaches.Results:(1)There was no statistical significance in the difference of the sex,age ,main symptoms, maximal diameter of the tumors between three groups.(2)A11 of the operations were successful. The tumor was totally removed in 40 cases, subtotally in 16 cases, and partially in 10 cases. There was no statistical difference between three groups.(3)The most common postoperative complications were diabetes insipidus and electrolyte disturbance, respectively, 58 cases and 48 cases. There was no statistical difference between three groups.Conclusion: (1) Microsurgical treatment is a effective method for craniopharyngiomas. Satisfactory therapeutic results can be made by selecting optimal operative approach.(2) The most common postoperative complications were diabetes insipidus and electrolyte disturbance.It is necessary to prevent and to treat the complications actively.(3)There was no statistical significance in the difference of total resection ratio and incidence rate of postoperative complications between three groups.