Recurrent cystic craniopharyngioma management and course.

A 54-year-old woman had a permanent catheter placed connecting the cavity of an inoperable recurrent cystic craniopharyngioma and an extracranial reservoir for easy decompression by aspiration. The cyst refilled so frequently that radiation was given to the cystic tumour. Almost four years after radiation treatment, the patient has been well and no aspirations have been required. The cyst "dried out" and a year after radiation injection of isotope through the reservoir showed that the intracranial end of the catheter was now lodging in ventricular or cisternal space.