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Published on: October 20, 2017
Management of infratentorial brain tumors
1Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.
Insights
Pediatric neurosurgeons require specialized techniques for posterior fossa brain tumors, common in children. This approach ensures safe surgical outcomes with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Neuro-oncology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Posterior fossa tumors account for 60-70% of pediatric brain tumors.
- This region presents unique surgical challenges in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline specialized techniques for infratentorial brain tumor surgery in children.
- To detail preoperative evaluation, surgical methods, and postoperative care.
Main Methods:
- Review of specialized surgical techniques for pediatric posterior fossa tumors.
- Discussion of patient management protocols from evaluation to recovery.
Main Results:
- Zero operative mortalities reported.
- Low complication rates: 2% infection, 15% transient neurologic deficit, 5% permanent neurologic deficit.
Conclusions:
- A specialized, systematic approach to infratentorial brain tumor surgery in children yields excellent safety and efficacy.
- This methodology minimizes operative mortality and neurological deficits.
Abstract:
Because 60-70% of brain tumors in children occur in the posterior fossa, the pediatric neurosurgeon must be familiar with the specialized techniques necessary for successful surgery in this region. We discuss the preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques, and postoperative management for children harboring infratentorial brain tumors. Using this approach to treatment, we have had no operative mortalities, a 2% rate of infection, a 15% rate of transient neurologic deficit, and a 5% rate of permanent neurologic deficit.
