Microsurgical removal of craniopharyngioma: endoscopic and transcranial techniques for complication avoidance

Craniopharyngioma remains a challenging entity for neurosurgeons because of its midline, deep seated location and intimate relationship with critical neurovascular structures. Although gross total resection is ideal, the need to reduce surgical morbidity and preserve quality of life has led to a number of neurosurgical approaches which have attained this goal. Here we discuss the commonly used approaches for surgical resection and highlight technical considerations to reduce the potential of complications. We also discuss the mutually exclusive underlying genetic lesions in different histopathological subtypes that will likely lead to future treatment options for these tumors.