title: Synchronous ventriculoscopic and microsurgical resection of complex craniopharyngiomas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surgical resection of craniopharyngiomas may be challenging sometimes because of the size, location and tenacity. Simultaneous endoscopic and microsurgical resection is a novel way to approach such lesions. The aim of this report is to discuss the usefulness of combined endoscopic and microsurgical approaches in treating complex craniopharyngiomas along with a review of the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  A child with hydrocephalus and a large suprasellar craniopharyngioma underwent synchronous endoscopic and microsurgical resection of the lesion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved. There were no postoperative complications. Hydrocephalus was also treated successfully.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neuroendoscopy can complement microsurgery in approaching complex craniopharyngiomas particularly when these tumors are large and accompanied by hydrocephalus.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Neurological Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
authors.forename: Andreas K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Filis
authors.forename: Karam
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Alan R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003287:Contrast Media; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006261:Headache / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D044583:Neuroendoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014696:Ventriculostomy
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media