Intra- and suprasellar tumours: surgical results

Experience gained with the operation of 108 intra- and suprasellar tumours and the results of the surgical intervention are presented. The transcranial -- subfrontal approach of hypophyseal tumours offers today a circumspect and, in a considerable part of the cases, radical solution. Intratracheal anaesthesia eliminates the surgical risk and radiotherapy prevents relapse. The situation is not quite as unambiguous in the case of craniopharyngeomas and optic tumours. Of the rare varieties, ependymoma and angioblastoma, of the frequent varieties tuberculum sellae meningioma and dermoids, have a promising prospect. Depending upon the mode of appearance, the prognosis of cysticercus and of ectopic pinealoma can be favourable or unfavourable. Since in every case the main task is to save the vision, the result will therefore depend upon early diagnosis.