Outcomes of Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery Versus Transcranial Craniotomy for Craniopharyngioma

Overview

This study compares outcomes of endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) and transcranial craniotomy (TCA) for craniopharyngioma resection.

Background

Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors that can cause significant morbidity due to their location near critical neurovascular structures. Surgical resection is the primary treatment, but the optimal approach remains debated. Understanding the comparative outcomes of different surgical techniques is crucial for improving patient management.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• EEA achieved a higher gross total resection rate (82.4% vs. 45.5%, p=0.002).
• Patients undergoing EEA had a shorter hospital stay (16.19 ± 3.97 days vs. 18.76 ± 4.23 days, p=0.019).
• Improvement in headache/ICP-related symptoms was observed in 90.9% of EEA patients compared to 76.5% of TCA patients (p=0.047).
• Objective visual outcomes were better after EEA (BCVA logMAR 0.30 vs. 0.42, p=0.041).
• EEA was associated with lower rates of electrolyte imbalance (17.6% vs. 42.4%, p=0.021) and transient diabetes insipidus (20.6% vs. 45.5%, p=0.028).
• Recurrence/progression rates were lower in EEA patients (8.8% vs. 21.2%, p=0.047).

Clinical Implications

The findings provide comparative outcomes of EEA and TCA for craniopharyngioma.

Conclusion

This study presents outcomes of EEA and TCA in terms of resection rates and complications.

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