Pediatric intrinsic third ventricular craniopharyngiomas: microsurgical treatment and management of postoperative complications

Objective To investigate the microsurgery and management of postoperative complications in pediatric patients with intrinsic third ventricular craniopharyngiomas. Methods From July 2005 to May 2011, 18 pediatric patients with intrinsic third ventricular craniopharyngiomas were treated by microsurgery via the transcallosal-interseptal-interfomix approach. The microsurgical procedures and management of postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively. Results The tumors were totally resected in 13 cases, subtotally resected in 3 and partially resected in 2. The symptoms and signs of the patients were improved in varying degrees. The major postoperative complications included diabetes insipidus (15/18),electrolyte disturbance (12/18),central hyperthermia (5/18) and epilepsy (4/18). The complications all responded to active managements. The global therapeutic outcomes were fine. Conclusions The resection via the transcal-losal-interseptal-interfomix approach is an ideal treatment of the pediatric intrinsic third ventricular craniopharyngiomas. Active management of postoperative complications is essential to a good prognosis of the patients. Key words: Craniopharyngiomas; Operative approaches; Microsurgery; Complications; Children