Pediatric Giant Craniopharyngioma: Surgical Field Soak in Diluted Nimodipine Solution Reduces Cerebral Vasospasm.

Craniopharyngioma is a slow-growing benign tumor, accounting for 5.6%-13% of primary intracranial tumors in children. The present patient showed a huge cyst, and computed tomography scan of the brain revealed a 9.2- × 8.7- × 7.0-cm giant cystic lesion with calcification located in the suprasellar cistern. A review of the literature showed the present case is the biggest craniopharyngioma reported. After the tumor was removed, vasospasm appeared in the surgical area. The surgical field was soaked in diluted nimodipine solution for 12 minutes, including the exposed nerve and blood vessel, especially the optic nerve and middle cerebral artery, which led to vasospasm recovery. At 3-month follow-up, there was slight subdural hygroma; contrast magnetic resonance imaging scan did not reveal any residual tumor or recurrence.