Status quo of stereotactic surgery in the management of cystic craniopharyngiomas

Abstract

Purpose: Stereotactic surgery for craniopharyngioma cysts was pioneered by Lars Leksell in 1949. Despite the advances of microsurgery, endocrinology, radiation therapy, and neuroimaging over the last half-century, craniopharyngiomas continue to confront neurosurgeons with a therapeutic dilemma. The tumor's histologic benignity belies its aggressive biologic behavior. Although total resection is theoretically curative, the cost in terms of functional disability can be high. As in other intracranial neoplasms, a multidisciplinary approach is often necessary in the course of a patient's lifetime.