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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2024; 22(04): 243-246
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768027
Review Article

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for Resection of Craniopharyngioma in Pediatric Population: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Mohammed A. Fouda 
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States
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Abstract

Craniopharyngioma is a rare epithelial brain tumor which arises from the embryological remnants of Rathke's pouch—a remnant of the primitive pharynx. The proximity of this tumor to the pituitary stalk, hypothalamus, third ventricle, optic chiasm, and optic nerves, as well as the major intracranial vessels bridging this area, makes safe surgical resection challenging. Given the recent advancement in endoscopic surgical techniques and the intraoperative assistance of neuronavigation and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) can be an alternative to the open transcranial approaches in the management of children with craniopharyngioma who fulfill the appropriate selection criteria. The comparison between the EETS and the open transcranial approach regarding the clinical and surgical outcomes could be subject to an inherent selection bias. In this article, we reviewed the body of the literature on the role of EETS in the management of pediatric craniopharyngioma and the proper selection criteria of children with craniopharyngioma, who might be suitable candidates for tumor resection via this minimally invasive endoscopic approach. We also looked at the preoperative assessment, surgical techniques, surgical and clinical outcomes, and the possible complications of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery.

Keywords

pediatric - craniopharyngioma - endoscopic - transsphenoidal - CSF leak


Publication History

Received: 23 January 2023

Accepted: 02 March 2023

Article published online:
10 April 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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