Microsurgical Resection Versus Stereotactic Guided Ommaya Reservoir Drainage of Cystic Craniopharyngioma

1.1.Background: Craniopharyngioma is often associated with cystic components.Although thesetumors are histologically benign, recurrence rates up to 57% have been reported even after surgical gross total resections, due to their invasiveness. 1.2.Objective:To compare the outcome of invasive and less invasive surgeries of cystic craniopharyngioma. 1.3.Methods:This study included 20 patients diagnosed and managed in Al-azhar university hospitals and Al-Mansoura university hospital between May 2015 and April 2017. 10 patients were treated by surgical modalities, 10 Patients were treated by a less invasive maneuver by superior fenestration and insertion of ommaya reservoir. The craniopharyngioma was predominately cystic. 1.4.Results:Ommaya reservoir insertionand drainage of cystic craniopharyngiomas is safe and effective for symptom relief and might be associated with a better outcome than microsurgical treatment.