Object: In this study, the authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of modified orbitozygomatic craniotomy for resection of craniopharyngioma in children.
Methods: A prospective, institutional review board-approved database was retrospectively reviewed for pediatric patients undergoing craniopharyngioma resection performed by a single surgeon.
Results: Ten patients underwent craniopharyngioma resection surgery between July 2000 and January 2006 (4 girls and 6 boys, ages 1.5-17 years). Nine patients presented to the authors' institution, and 1 patient was referred after surgery and radiation therapy were administered elsewhere. Nine patients presented with visual field deficits (2 with unilateral or bilateral light perception only) and 5 with endocrine dysfunction. Eight patients had large tumors that significantly displaced the optic chiasm and hypothalamus. All patients underwent a modified frontotemporal orbitozygomatic osteotomy in a single piece. The lamina terminalis was opened in 4 patients with third ventricular extension. One patient required a staged transsphenoidal operation to remove residual tumor in the sella turcica, and 1 patient underwent a contralateral subtemporal approach to resect a daughter lesion in the prepontine cistern. Complete radiographic resection was achieved in all patients. Follow-up averaged 55 months (range 12-95 months). Vision was improved in 8 patients and remained stable in 2. All patients had postoperative endocrine dysfunction. One patient experienced transient cranial nerve IV palsy and 1 suffered a small caudate stroke 5 months after surgery without sequelae. Two patients experienced polyphagia and weight gain without other symptoms of hypothalamic dysfunction. There were no other new neurological deficits.
Conclusions: Modified orbitozygomatic craniotomy provides excellent exposure of the suprasellar region with minimal brain retraction, allowing complete resection of craniopharyngiomas with good visual and neurological results.