Transventricular Endoscopic Approach for Cystic Craniopharyngioma: Case Series.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Craniopharyngioma treatment varies, with high morbidity associated with radical excision.
• Conservative approaches are increasingly favored for cystic craniopharyngiomas.
• Transventricular endoscopy presents a minimally invasive option for these tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the authors' experience with transventricular endoscopy for cystic craniopharyngiomas.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic fenestration and reservoir placement.
• To assess outcomes in patients with third ventricle cystic craniopharyngiomas.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients with cystic craniopharyngiomas.
• Management involved transcortical transventricular endoscopic biopsy and catheter/reservoir placement.
• Patients with hydrocephalus were treated with fenestration and aspiration or reservoir placement.

Main Results:

• Twenty-nine patients with cystic craniopharyngiomas and hydrocephalus were treated.
• No morbidity was associated with the endoscopic procedure.
• Recurrence occurred in 27.5% of cases, managed with reaspiration, resection, or shunting.

Conclusions:

• Neuroendoscopic fenestration, aspiration, and catheter reservoir placement is a viable treatment option.
• This technique is suitable for cystic craniopharyngiomas extending into the third ventricle with hydrocephalus.
• The procedure, followed by radiation, offers an alternative to more invasive treatments.