{"id":"36afcd96-6d91-4300-bc4b-4bf78ff9df8b","slug":"minimally-invasive-management-of-adult-craniopharyngiomas-an-analysis-of-our-series-and-review-of-literature","title":"Minimally invasive management of adult craniopharyngiomas: An analysis of our series and review of literature","authors":["Gazanfar Rahmathulla","Gene H. Barnett"],"abstract":"Background: Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are slow growing tumors with an incidence of between 1.2% and 4.6%, having a bimodal age distribution typically peaking in childhood and in adults between 45 and 60 years. Recurrences occur even after documented gross total resections necessitating a combination of therapeutic strategies. Obtaining a cure of this tumor in adults without producing major side effects continues to remain elusive. Methods: We describe our results in 11 patients with CP treated in a minimally invasive fashion using a combination of techniques like burr hole aspiration, Ommaya reservoir placement, ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunting and focal radiation (Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery/Intensity modulated radiotherapy [GKRS/IMRT]). Results: Visual function remained intact in all patients; endocrine status remained stable with two patients developing new postoperative diabetes insipidus. There was no periprocedural morbidity or mortality, with hospital stays for any in-patient procedure being 48 hours or less. Conclusions: Minimally invasive techniques such as cyst aspiration, insertion of a catheter with Ommaya reservoir, when combined with stereotactic radiosurgery/IMRT is an effective and safe option for management and long-term control of adult CPs. We believe the Ommaya catheter by itself could act as a stent, creating a tract allowing gradual drainage of cyst fluid and stabilization without necessitating any further interventions in selected cases.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/36afcd96-6d91-4300-bc4b-4bf78ff9df8b/featured/hero-1782421014738.png","publishDate":"2013-11-20T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.121612","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"http://sni.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3908/SNI-4-411.pdf"}