Microsurgical Resection Versus Stereotactic Guided Ommaya Reservoir Drainage of Cystic Craniopharyngioma

Abstract

These tumors are located close to the visual apparatus, hypothalamus, pituitary stalk, 3rd ventricle, and vasculature from the circle of Willis. The proximity of the tumor and its adherence to these critical structures makes complete microsurgical removal without neurological deterioration difficult [2]. Craniopharyngioma is often associated with cystic components [3]. Although these tumors are histologically benign, recurrence rates up to 57% have been reported even after surgical gross total resections, due to their invasiveness [4].