Paediatric craniopharyngiomas: a regional review.

Abstract

Forty paediatric craniopharyngioma cases treated between 1956 and 1987 by conservative surgery (15), radical surgery (10), conservative surgery and radiotherapy (9) and shunting (6) are reviewed. The conservative surgery and radiotherapy group's local control and survival (100%) is significantly better than that of any other group. This group also achieved the most consistent level of employment or tertiary education. Overall morbidity was high. Overall survival has improved since 1976. Whether given as an adjuvant or salvage a radiotherapy dose of TDF 83 or greater gave a significantly better survival (100%) than lower doses.