Management of craniopharyngiomas in children

Craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign neoplasms occurring in the intra- and suprasellar region. Their location and close relation with visual pathways, hypothalamus and major basal vessels may cause difficulty in resecting these tumors without surgical complications. Radiotherapy after limited resection of craniopharyngiomas has been advocated by some investigators while others contend radical resections by means of advanced surgical techniques afford better outcome of patients. Although optimal treatment is yet to be defined, the review of our institutional experience and the critical analysis of the literature show that radiation therapy may be effective but not curative. It is recommended that surgeons should make every effort to effect total excision at the initial operation.