Stereotactic intracavitary irradiation of large cystic craniopharyngiomas

During the years 1988-1992, 50 patients with large cystic craniopharyngioma were treated with stereotactic injection of radionuclide. The patients aged from 3 to 69 (average 21) years. Of these patients, 36 were primary cases and 14 were recurrences after previous major surgery. The cyst volume of craniopharyngiomas was 28-126 cm(3) (average 38 cm(3)). The Leksell stereotactic system was used for injection of radionuclides Au-198, P-32 and Y90. Eighty-four injections were performed in 50 patients; additional injections took place at intervals of 1-6 months. There were no operative deaths and no serious complications. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 5 years (average 2.6 years). Eighty-six percent of patients improved clinically and computed tomography re-examination confirmed shrinkage of the cysts.