Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Craniopharyngioma

Abstract

The advantages of craniopharyngioma endoscopic resection are summarized as follows. First, the original site of the tumor can be well exposed under the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, and the relationship between the tumor and peripheral structures could be well identified. Second, for type Q tumors, it is very important to protect pituitary function by identifying the tumor and remaining pituitary tissue under the endoscope. Third, the optic nerve and chiasm are less disturbed, which is one of the reasons why the postoperative vision of patients is better. With the development of neuro-endoscopic devices and the improvement of instruments, the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach may attain a broader application spectrum.