J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2006 Jul;40(1):6-10.

Experiences of Bifrontal Interhemispheric Approach in Craniopharyngioma Surgery

• Bae JS
• Yang SH
• Jeun SS
• Park CK
• Kang JK
• Hong YK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of bifrontal interhemispheric(BIH) approach and compare them to those of the pterional approach for the treatment of craniopharyngioma.
METHODS
Seventeen patients had their first operation for the resection of craniopharyngiomas between 2000 and 2004 at our medical center. Eleven patients who had the pterional approach and 6 with the BIH approach were enrolled. The age range at the time of surgery was 5 to 80 years (mean age 35.6 years old). The presenting symptoms were visual disturbance in 12 patients and signs of increased intracranial pressure in 5 patients.
RESULTS
The tumors were totally removed in 3(27 %) and subtotally in 8(73 %) patients with the pterional approach. Total tumor removal was achieved in 5 out of 6(83%) patients by the BIH approach, except 1 patient with a subchiasmatic lesion. Vision was improved in 4(36 %) patients treated with the pterional approach and in all patients treated by the BIH approach
CONCLUSION
The BIH approach for craniopharyngioma surgery may be an effective and safe approach for tumors that extend outside of the sellar-suprasellar region with acceptable outcomes.

Keyword

Craniopharyngioma; Approach; Pterional; Interhemispheric

MeSH Terms

Craniopharyngioma*
Humans
Intracranial Pressure