What can be expected from the surgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas in children. Report of 92 cases.

92 cases of craniopharyngiomas have been operated, 63 with a follow-up extending from 30 months to 20 years. The possibilities of the surgical treatment are mainly discussed on the basis of the anatomical location of the tumors. Simple intrasellar craniopharyngiomas can be operated by a transphenoidal approach with, sometimes, spectacular improvement (case of spontaneous normal pregnancy). The tumors most frequently seen are those with predominantly prechiasmatic expansion. A subfrontal approach is always required, aiming at radical excision. Microscopy can offer interesting possibilities for selective surgery. However, if the vital prognosis is excellent and recurrences rare, functional results remain very poor. In retrochiasmatic tumors involving the posterior hypothalamus, the principle of radical excision must be seriously discussed and sometimes challenged. The various combined approaches are described with their own limits and risks. Other therapeutic techniques are suggested. In many cases, selective neurosurgical dissection may raise some hope for better improvement of functional results.