Clinical Scorecard: Outcomes of Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery Versus Transcranial Craniotomy for Craniopharyngioma: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis from a Single Institution

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• EEA achieved a higher gross total resection (GTR) rate (82.4% vs. 45.5%)
• Shorter hospital stay for EEA patients (16.19 days vs. 18.76 days)
• Improvement in headache/ICP-related symptoms at 6 months: 90.9% EEA vs. 76.5% TCA
• Lower rates of endocrine complications with EEA, including transient diabetes insipidus (20.6% vs. 45.5%)
• Recurrence/progression at last follow-up: 8.8% EEA vs. 21.2% TCA

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Histopathological confirmation of craniopharyngioma required

Management

• Primary surgical resection via EEA or TCA based on anatomical considerations

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Clinical and radiological follow-up of at least 6 months post-surgery

Risks

• Potential for neurological and hypothalamic injury with transcranial approaches

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with pathologically confirmed craniopharyngioma undergoing primary resection

Surgical corridor selection is anatomy-driven; EEA may offer advantages in specific cases

Clinical Best Practices

• Detailed preoperative anatomical classification is essential for surgical planning
• Consideration of endocrine and visual outcomes in evaluating surgical approaches

Related Resources & Content

• Study Protocol Approval