Adnan Khaliq, Farooq Azam, Mumtaz Ali, Asadullah, Akramullah, Muhammad Zubair.
Visual outcome after microsurgical removal of craniopharyngioma via pterional craniotomy.
J Saidu Med Col Jan ;10(1):83-7.

Background: Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor of sellar & Suprasellar area with bimodal distribution. Visual disturbance is one of the common clinical presentation. Early surgical intervention results in favourable results. Objective: To analyze visual outcome after surgical removal of craniopharyngioma via pterional craniotomy. Material and Methods: This observational descriptive case series was conducted at department of neurosurgery, LRH/Peshawar. Duration of study was 18 months from Jan 2017 to June 2018. The study included patients with craniopharyngioma, who underwent surgery in elective setup, newly diagnosed cases and patients operated via pterional approach. All those patients who presented in crisis like acute hydrocephalus, operated via other approaches and recurrent cases were excluded from this study. The changes of visual function (visual acuity and field) of the patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively, documented by a predesigned proforma and paired data of this change were compared. Visual assessment was done on follow up visits on 2 weeks,1 month,3 months and 6 months. Chi square test was applied as statistical test. Data was analysed through SPSS version 17. Results: Total number of patients were (30) with Male to female ratio was 1.5:1.Age of patients were Ranging from 4 year to 62 years (mean 35 years).There were 23 Children (76.6%) and 7 Adults (23.3%).Out of 30 patients, 21 patients(70%) presented with visual disturbance and 9 patients (30%) had non opthalmogical symptoms. Optic atrophy was seen in 6 patients (20%) preoperatively. Per operatively tumor was found in suprasellar area in 24 patients(80%) and in both supra+infrasellar area in 6 patients(20%). Tumor size was less than 3cm in 19 patients(63.3%) and more than 3cm in 11 patients(36.6%). Morphology per operatively was cystic in 19 patients(63.3%), solid in 5 patients(16.6%) and both solid and cystic in 6 patients(20%). Calcification in tumor was seen in 16 patients(53.3%). Gross total resection(GTR) of tumor was done in only 21 patients(70%). Post-operative follow up assessment of visual status showed that (50%) of patients improved. Conclusion: Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor with malignant behaviour so timely intervention give favourable results.

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