[Surgery for craniopharyngioma]

We present a series of 20 patients (11 males) operated on for craniopharyngioma through a frontal craniotomy during an 11-year period. They ranged in age from 7 months to 58 years (mean 20 years). The most common symptoms were headaches, blurred vision and endocrine disorders. The perioperative mortality was 5% and morbidity 25%. 5 (25%) patients need reoperation; 13 (65%) received additional radiation therapy. In 94% visual function improved. 65% continued to have or developed endocrine problems, although all were well controlled with supplemental therapy. These results, similar to those reported from other centers, justify a combination of radical surgery and radiation therapy for this condition.