Optimal treatment of a recurrent giant craniopharyngioma: lessons from a case

A case of a 33-year-old man presented with symptoms of dramatic deterioration of the level of consciousness because of a recurrence of a previously aspirated and irradiated craniopharyngioma is described. The tumor had grown enormously in dimensions and was extending in the region of hypothalamus, third ventricle and brain stem, with signs of local compression and obstructive hydrocephalus. Radical surgical excision, despite the size and the location of the lesion, was the therapy of choice. The surgical technique is described. We conclude that in expert hands, microsurgery aiming at total removal should be the therapeutic option for the treatment of recurrent as well as primary craniopharyngiomas.