Abstract
Background: Craniopharyngiomas are challenging tumors that most frequently occur in the sellar or suprasellar regions. The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach is a minimal-invasive technique for managing craniopharyngiomas. The aim of this study is evaluation of endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach in management of craniopharyngioma as regard the indications, operative difficulties, post-operative complications and outcomes. Patients and Methods: An analytical prospective study conducted on 12 Craniopharyngioma patients treated via endoscopic endonasal, trans-sphenoid approach in Al Azhar university hospitals. Follow up of patients done clinically and radiologically over 6 months. Results: The study included 12 patients, 2 (16.7%) males and 10 (83.3%) females, with mean age of 40 years. Gross total resection was achieved in 9 patients (75%). The most common surgical complication in our series was DI (50%), CSF rhinorrhea (33.3%) and DCL and seizures (16.7%) respectively. None of our patients suffered from worsening of endocrinological or visual outcome postoperatively. Conclusion: To conclude, Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) “either total or subtotal resection” is an effective surgical treatment for removal of craniopharyngiomas in terms of surgical outcome and tumor control. Key words: Craniopharyngioma; Endoscopy; Skull base; Endonasal Approach; Transsphenoidal surgery.